Further excavations began in 2012 by a joint team from Tel Aviv University, led by Oded Lipschits and Yuval Gadot, and Heidelberg University, led by Manfred Hümmer. These excavations are still ongoing. The first excavation season in 2012 focused on three parts of the mound, confirming the survey results that the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age II were peak periods for the settlement. The findings have not yet been officially published.
In Tel Aviv University's excavations, a massive destruction layer from the 12th century BCE was discovered, indicating that the Canaanite city was destroyed in a great fire. An article in Haaretz referred to this destruction as a "mini-Pompeii" due to the many artifacts found among the ruins of the destroyed city. During this period, the end of the Late Bronze Age, many Canaanite cities like Lachish, Hazor, Megiddo, and Gezer were also destroyed.
This short walk through the Ela Valley and the slopes of the central highlands will reveal the history of the place, from biblical prophets to Roman emperors. Important trade routes from the valley to Jerusalem have always passed through here, and this was the border of Judea. We will encounter intriguing sites like the battlefield of David and Goliath, the possible tomb of Goliath, and many other stories of this fascinating area.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
