Tel Zakaria was one of the first sites excavated in Israel. As early as 1898, British archaeologists Frederick Bliss and Robert Macalister, on behalf of the Palestine Exploration Fund, received a license from the Ottoman authorities to excavate four sites in the Judean lowlands: Tel Goded, Maresha, Gath, and Azekah. Tel Azekah was excavated over three seasons, focusing on the upper mound. During the excavations, towers without a connecting wall were uncovered, which were dated to the Roman period, and the acropolis fortress in the southeast of the mound, which was dated to the time of Rehoboam based on the biblical description. The upper parts of the walls were dated to the Hellenistic period. In recent years, a focused survey was conducted at the site by the renewed excavation team as part of preparations for actual excavation, uncovering over 18,000 pottery shards. According to the survey's findings, the mound thrived in two main periods: the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age II.
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!
