Archaeology

Due to Israel’s long and rich prehistoric and ancient history, and its small size, the country maintains the highest ratio of ancient sites per area in the world. The Israel Antiquities Authority has counted more than 14,000 sites and some 6,000 archaeological excavations and surveys have been carried out in the area (including the Sinai Peninsula, the Gaza Strip and the West Bank). Thus, Israel is the most intensively excavated region in the world today. Some of the most important discoveries have been found in Qirbet Qumran, Hazor, Megiddo, Rehov, Bet Shean, Caesarea, Banias, the Negev, and Tel Dan.

The Dead Sea Scrolls

In 1948, the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in the caves at Qirbet Qumran near the western shore of the Dead Sea. This is considered the most important archaeological find ever made in Israel as the scrolls significantly enriched the fields of archaeology, comparative theology, Hebrew and Aramaic studies, and early Christian history.

Canaan

Ashkelon is the oldest and largest seaport in ancient Canaan, one of the "five cities" of the Philistines, north of Gaza and south of Jaffa . Archaeological excavations begun in 1985 are revealing accumulated rubble from successive Canaanite, Philistine, Phoenician, Iranian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Crusader occupation.

The ancient city of Hazor (19 th-13 th centuries B.C.E.), the largest and richest archeological remain in Israel, is located in the upper Galilee , north of the Sea of Galilee . The fortified city was the largest Canaanite city of the 2nd millennium B.C.E. In the Bible, Hazor is described as "the head of all those kingdoms" (Joshua 11:10).

Hazor was totally destroyed by fire at the end of the Late Bronze Age (around 1200 B.C.E.). The conflagration is mentioned in the Bible, emphasizing the complete destruction of Hazor during the conquest of Canaan by the Israelites (Joshua 11:13): "But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn. "

Megiddo

Megiddo, inhabited from 7000 B.C.E. to 500 B.C.E., was a site of great importance in the ancient world, as it guarded the western branch of a narrow pass and an ancient trade route which connected Egypt and Assyria. Because of its strategic location at the crossroads of several major routes, Megiddo survived several major battles throughout history.

In 2005, the remains of a church were discovered that are believed to be from the third century, a time when Christians were still persecuted by the Roman Empire. Among the finds is a large mosaic with a Greek inscription stating that the church is consecrated to Jesus Christ. The mosaic is very well preserved and features geometrical figures and images of fish, an early Christian symbol. It is speculated that this may be the oldest church in the Holy Land .

Rehov

Rehov was the site of an important Bronze and Iron Age Canaanite city. Tel Rehov, a large earthern city mound in the Jordan Valley, is approximately five kilometres south of Bet She'an and three kilometres west of the Jordan River. The site represents one of the largest ancient city mounds in Israel. The Iron Age II levels of the site, in particular, have emerged as a vitally important component in the current debate regarding the chronology of the United Monarchy of Israel. Important data has also been forthcoming regarding the Early Bronze Age, Late Bronze Age and medieval occupation of the site.

Other Excavations

The excavation of the Roman city of Bet Shean was the largest single excavation undertaken in Israel since 1986. Significant finds have been uncovered from the ancient city, which was also inhabited during the Byzantine period and the early Arab period.

A large-scale excavation is being undertaken at Caesarea on the seacoast. Two of the largest constructions to have been unearthed are the Herodian port and amphitheatre.

At Banias, at the foot of Mount Hermon, excavations are unearthing sections of the city built by Philip, the son of Herod. Another large excavation is taking place at Tel Maresha (Marissa) near Beit Govrin in the coastal plain. The findings will hopefully fill gaps in knowledge of the Hellenistic period.

In the Negev, the excavation at Hatzeva has led to the discovery of remnants of a defended settlement from the end of the First Temple period and of the Roman period, which have been identified with the biblical Tamar. An Edomite ritual site rich in cultic objects has also been unearthed.

Among recently unearthed inscriptions of importance are stelae from Tel Dan. These basalt shards carry remnants of Aramaic writing from the ninth century B.C.E. One inscription recalls the "King of Israel" and also "the House of David" as the name of the sovereign’s house in Judea. This is the first time that the name of David has come to light outside the Bible.

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Sources: Wikipedia, "Ashkelon", "Megiddo", "Rehov"
Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Photo courtesy of Jack Hazut.