The tribe of Simeon inhabited the most southerly of all the tribal areas. The central city of Beersheba was known from the time of the Patriarchs. At the ancient archeological site of Tel Sheba biblical cities were discovered. Warehouse structures, religious sacrificial sites, walls and water cisterns were all found. Beersheba was an important centre for all the citizens in the area, because of the large supply of water, which formed an oasis. To this day Beersheba is the market centre for all the areas Bedouin and other residents. The surrounding area became the trading centre for all the farmers.
