Along the hiking trail, salvia is rampant. The plant has a long history of medicinal and culinary use. In ancient times, warriors used it to treat wounds. The European name for the plant Salvia comes from the Roman word Salvia - savior. We descended the hill down to the base of ancient ruins. The Canaanite tower is in front of us. It was part of the fortifications of the city of Gezer in the Canaanite period (Middle Bronze Age). The Bronze Age is a period that was characterized by the use of bronze and urban civilization. The Bronze Age is the time of the famous ancient Egyptian and Mesopotamian ancient societies. The tower protected the area of the city gate, which was discovered about 20 m to its east. Its huge size (16 m wide), the large stone blocks of which it was built and its immense preserved height (5 m), make it the largest Canaanite tower ever found. The tower's uniform survived height indicates that from this point upward it was built of mudbricks that did not survive. The original height of the tower is estimated at about 15 m. This may have been a gated fortress, housing a military and administrative center, the dwelling of the king or the governor, public reception rooms and various service rooms.
A walk along Tel Gezer reveals the most unexpected and amazing moments of the distant past. The oldest Hebrew inscription was found here. The giant pagan altar of Canaan was found here. The city gates of the times of King Solomon were found here. Spring is the best time for walking. A green carpet of lush grass covers the hill slopes, and trails lead to the cold waters of a natural spring in the middle of wheat fields.
