[2] The Ein Hazeva archaeological site [fr] holds remains of two Judahite fortresses, a Nabataean caravanserai, and a Roman fort, part of the Limes Arabicus.

According to the Hebrew Bible, it was a Judahite site, but Edomite idols were also discovered there, now on display at the Israel Museum.

34:4, connects it with the Negev plateau; the Roman road along Maaleh-acrabbim, which leads from Hatzeva to Mamshit, is believed to be contemporary with the fort.

[citation needed] Ein Hatzeva was founded in 1960 as an unaffiliated agriculture farm, and was not recognized by the government.

The founders attempted to grow vegetables in the arid Arava area, and the village was recognized upon their success.