Archaeological Sites in Israel and Palestine
What you need to know about archaeological resources in the modern day countries of Palestine and Israel.
'En Haseva
An Iron Age fortress on the border with ancient Edom; article from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
An Iron Age fortress on the border with ancient Edom; article from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Amud Cave
From Roger Grace, a research proposal to gather information about human and neanderthal behavior by way of use wear on stone tools; studies at Amud Cave on Mount Carmel.
From Roger Grace, a research proposal to gather information about human and neanderthal behavior by way of use wear on stone tools; studies at Amud Cave on Mount Carmel.
Archaeological Controversies
These pages are developed to give you some insight into the controversies facing archaeologists today.
These pages are developed to give you some insight into the controversies facing archaeologists today.
Ashkelon
\From David Schloen at Harvard, and ABZU and the Oriental Institute, discussion of the recent discoveries at this Canaanite, Philistine, and Phoenician occupation.
\From David Schloen at Harvard, and ABZU and the Oriental Institute, discussion of the recent discoveries at this Canaanite, Philistine, and Phoenician occupation.
Atlit Yam
Underwater archaeology of a pre-pottery neolithic occupation site; description of the ongoing research on the Israeli Antiquities Authority Website.
Underwater archaeology of a pre-pottery neolithic occupation site; description of the ongoing research on the Israeli Antiquities Authority Website.
Banias (Caesarea Philippi)
Greek and Roman occupations at this site now called Banias are being conducted by a consortium of seven universities. This website is from Missouri State University.
Greek and Roman occupations at this site now called Banias are being conducted by a consortium of seven universities. This website is from Missouri State University.
Be'er Sheva
Be'er Sheva is a modern town in the Negev Desert of Israel, and also the name of a Chalcolithic settlement dated to the 4th millennium BC.
Be'er Sheva is a modern town in the Negev Desert of Israel, and also the name of a Chalcolithic settlement dated to the 4th millennium BC.
Beth Alpha Synagogue
The site of Beth Alpha in Israel is believed to be a Jewish synagogue dated to the Byzantine period.
The site of Beth Alpha in Israel is believed to be a Jewish synagogue dated to the Byzantine period.
Bethsaida
An on-going field school excavation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
An on-going field school excavation from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Caesarea Maritima
A joint project of the University of Maryland and the University of Haifa, excavations at a city built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 B.C. to honor the emperor Caesar Augustus.
A joint project of the University of Maryland and the University of Haifa, excavations at a city built by Herod the Great between 22 and 10 B.C. to honor the emperor Caesar Augustus.
Capernaum
The town of Capernaum is mentioned several times in the New Testament of the Judeo-Christian bible, as the home of several apostles.
The town of Capernaum is mentioned several times in the New Testament of the Judeo-Christian bible, as the home of several apostles.
Capharnaum
A discussion of the history of excavations at this biblical site, from the Studium Biblicum Fransciscanum.
A discussion of the history of excavations at this biblical site, from the Studium Biblicum Fransciscanum.
Dor
Underwater archaeology off the coast of Israel includes investigation of a 17th Century Ottoman ship wrecksite, a joint project by the Nautical Archaeological Society, Dor Maritime Archaeological Project, and the Center for Maritime Studies.
Underwater archaeology off the coast of Israel includes investigation of a 17th Century Ottoman ship wrecksite, a joint project by the Nautical Archaeological Society, Dor Maritime Archaeological Project, and the Center for Maritime Studies.
Gesher Benot Ya'aqo
From the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a brief introduction and bibliography of this important Middle Pleistocene (Acheulean) site, recently damaged during dam construction. English and Hebrew.
From the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, a brief introduction and bibliography of this important Middle Pleistocene (Acheulean) site, recently damaged during dam construction. English and Hebrew.
Gesher Benot Ya'aqov (Israel)
The archaeological site of Gesher Benot Yaaqov is located in the northern Jordan Valley on the shore of an ancient lake. Paleomagnetic dating of this site makes it a Lower Paleolithic site, dated to approximmately .8 million years ago.
The archaeological site of Gesher Benot Yaaqov is located in the northern Jordan Valley on the shore of an ancient lake. Paleomagnetic dating of this site makes it a Lower Paleolithic site, dated to approximmately .8 million years ago.
Hagoshrim (Israel)
The site of Hagoshrim is located in the Hula Valley of northern Israel. Occupied at least six times between 6500 and 7560 years ago.
The site of Hagoshrim is located in the Hula Valley of northern Israel. Occupied at least six times between 6500 and 7560 years ago.
Har Karkom
Investigations into rock art in the central Negev desert near "the mountain of saffron"; from Emmanuel Anati.
Investigations into rock art in the central Negev desert near "the mountain of saffron"; from Emmanuel Anati.
Hayonim Cave (Israel)
Hayonim Cave is the name of a cave located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, in a limestone bluff about 250 meters above modern sea level.
Hayonim Cave is the name of a cave located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel, in a limestone bluff about 250 meters above modern sea level.
Hippos-Sussita
Ongoing investigations at this tell on the Sea of Galilee are being conducted by the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa. Sussita, or as it was known by its Greek name, Antiochia-Hippos, was founded after 200 BC, when the Seleucids seized the Land of Israel from the Ptolemies.
Ongoing investigations at this tell on the Sea of Galilee are being conducted by the Zinman Institute of Archaeology at the University of Haifa. Sussita, or as it was known by its Greek name, Antiochia-Hippos, was founded after 200 BC, when the Seleucids seized the Land of Israel from the Ptolemies.
Jericho (Palestine)
Jericho (also called Tell es-Sultan) is the name of a tell situated on an ancient lake bed plain in what is known as the West Bank, Palestine.
Jericho (also called Tell es-Sultan) is the name of a tell situated on an ancient lake bed plain in what is known as the West Bank, Palestine.
Jerusalem: The Disputed City
Archaeological and historical evidence of Jerusalem, the ancient city of David, reflects its ancient past.
Archaeological and historical evidence of Jerusalem, the ancient city of David, reflects its ancient past.
Kebara Cave (Israel)
Located on the western escarpment of Mount Carmel, Kebara Cave has two important components, Middle Paleolithic Aurignacian and Mousterian, and Epi-Paleolithic Natufian.
Located on the western escarpment of Mount Carmel, Kebara Cave has two important components, Middle Paleolithic Aurignacian and Mousterian, and Epi-Paleolithic Natufian.
Lachish
The archaeological site of Lachish (also called Tel el-Duweir) is located approximately 40 kilometers south of Jerusalem.
The archaeological site of Lachish (also called Tel el-Duweir) is located approximately 40 kilometers south of Jerusalem.
Masada
The famous Roman fortress in Israel, site of a legendary mass suicide by Jewish rebels during the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD. Website from Israel Mosaic.
The famous Roman fortress in Israel, site of a legendary mass suicide by Jewish rebels during the Jewish Revolt of 70 AD. Website from Israel Mosaic.
Masada
From the Jewish Virtual Library, more information on the famous fortress.
From the Jewish Virtual Library, more information on the famous fortress.
Masada
The archaeological site of Masada is among the most politically-charged archaeological ruins in the world, and that's saying a lot.
The archaeological site of Masada is among the most politically-charged archaeological ruins in the world, and that's saying a lot.
Megiddo
The archaeological site of Megiddo, known as Tell el-Mutesellim, has at least thirty urban settlements within its layers, the earliest about 3500 BC.
The archaeological site of Megiddo, known as Tell el-Mutesellim, has at least thirty urban settlements within its layers, the earliest about 3500 BC.
Megiddo
The city of Armaggedon in the bible, a site first occupied ca. 7000 BC, where Tel Aviv University and Earthwatch has conducted several years of excavations.
The city of Armaggedon in the bible, a site first occupied ca. 7000 BC, where Tel Aviv University and Earthwatch has conducted several years of excavations.
Mount Carmel
The Mount Carmel region near the modern town of Haifa, Israel contains several of the most famous Neanderthal sites in the middle east
The Mount Carmel region near the modern town of Haifa, Israel contains several of the most famous Neanderthal sites in the middle east
Na'aran
Na'aran was a Byzantine settlement and synagogue during the 5th and 6th century AD, located about four kilometers from Jericho.
Na'aran was a Byzantine settlement and synagogue during the 5th and 6th century AD, located about four kilometers from Jericho.
Nahal Hemar Cave
Excavations at Nahal Hemar Cave have identified the earliest glue, dated to 8,310-8,110 BP; press release from the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Excavations at Nahal Hemar Cave have identified the earliest glue, dated to 8,310-8,110 BP; press release from the Weizmann Institute of Science.
Nahal Tillah Archaeological Project
From the University of California at Davis, research on the protodynastic Egyptian presence in Canaan.
From the University of California at Davis, research on the protodynastic Egyptian presence in Canaan.
Ohalo II
The oldest ever (19,000 bp) brush hut plant remains, from the Jordan Valley; detailed description of the site and excavations from the University of Haifa.
The oldest ever (19,000 bp) brush hut plant remains, from the Jordan Valley; detailed description of the site and excavations from the University of Haifa.
Red Tower
The Red Tower, also known as al-Burj al Ahmar, is a small castle built during the crusades in the central Sharon Plain of Palestine.
The Red Tower, also known as al-Burj al Ahmar, is a small castle built during the crusades in the central Sharon Plain of Palestine.
Rujm el Hiri
The archaeological site of Rujm el HIri, Israel is a curious Chalcolithic or Early Bronze age structure which researchers believe is an astronomical observatory.
The archaeological site of Rujm el HIri, Israel is a curious Chalcolithic or Early Bronze age structure which researchers believe is an astronomical observatory.
Sepphoris (Zippori)
Zippori, or Sepphoris in Greek, was a Galileean capital city located in the Lower Galilee midway between the Mediterranean and the Sea of Galilee. This website has evolved into a clearinghouse of information about the varied excavations.
Zippori, or Sepphoris in Greek, was a Galileean capital city located in the Lower Galilee midway between the Mediterranean and the Sea of Galilee. This website has evolved into a clearinghouse of information about the varied excavations.
Sepphoris
The site of Sepphoris (known as Zippori in Hebrew) was the capital of the Galilee region at the time of the Roman occupation.
The site of Sepphoris (known as Zippori in Hebrew) was the capital of the Galilee region at the time of the Roman occupation.
Sha'ar Hagolan
Neolithic (ca. 8000-7500 years ago) village with clay and pebble figurines and incised pebbles, making it the largest prehistoric art center in Israel. Excavations by the Hebrew University.
Neolithic (ca. 8000-7500 years ago) village with clay and pebble figurines and incised pebbles, making it the largest prehistoric art center in Israel. Excavations by the Hebrew University.
Shikhin (Asochis)
A history of investigations into the potter's village of Shikhin, and its possible association with the Tell el-Badawiye from James Strange.
A history of investigations into the potter's village of Shikhin, and its possible association with the Tell el-Badawiye from James Strange.
Shiqmim
The Chalcolithic site of Shiqmim is the focus of the Beersheva Valley Chiefdom Project from the University of California at Davis.
The Chalcolithic site of Shiqmim is the focus of the Beersheva Valley Chiefdom Project from the University of California at Davis.
Skhul Cave
Skhul Cave is a rockshelter located on the slopes of Mount Carmel in Israel, with evidence for occupations dating between about 80,000 and 100,000 years ago.
Skhul Cave is a rockshelter located on the slopes of Mount Carmel in Israel, with evidence for occupations dating between about 80,000 and 100,000 years ago.
Tel Be'er Sheva
An article in the Jewish Magazine by Jacqueline Schaajje describes Be'er Sheva, a Chalcolithic settlement in the Negev Desert.
An article in the Jewish Magazine by Jacqueline Schaajje describes Be'er Sheva, a Chalcolithic settlement in the Negev Desert.
Tel Dor
Mentioned in both Biblical and Egyptian literature, Dor was an important port and administrative centre for Canaanites, Philistines and Israelites. Excavations by the Institute of Archaeology at Hebrew University and the University of Saskatoon.
Mentioned in both Biblical and Egyptian literature, Dor was an important port and administrative centre for Canaanites, Philistines and Israelites. Excavations by the Institute of Archaeology at Hebrew University and the University of Saskatoon.
Tel Dor, Israel
One of the few natural harbors on Israel's Mediterranean coast, Tel Dor today is one of the country's largest archaeological sites and an important key to understanding the sequence of occupation during Biblical and later times. From the UC Berkeley Classics Department.
One of the few natural harbors on Israel's Mediterranean coast, Tel Dor today is one of the country's largest archaeological sites and an important key to understanding the sequence of occupation during Biblical and later times. From the UC Berkeley Classics Department.
Tel Jezreel
The site has occupations between the Chalcolithic to the recent past, the most substantial from the Iron Age, and with a significant Crusader element. Excavation report by the Council for British Research in the Levant.
The site has occupations between the Chalcolithic to the recent past, the most substantial from the Iron Age, and with a significant Crusader element. Excavation report by the Council for British Research in the Levant.
Tel Miqne (Khirbet el-Muqanna'), Israel
Tel Miqne is identified with biblical Ekron, one of the capital cities of the Philistine Pentapolis; excavations by a joint international project led by Trude Dothan and Seymour Gitin. Website includes a downloadable version of the site report.
Tel Miqne is identified with biblical Ekron, one of the capital cities of the Philistine Pentapolis; excavations by a joint international project led by Trude Dothan and Seymour Gitin. Website includes a downloadable version of the site report.
Tel Miqne-Ekron
A joint project of the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research and others, excavations at one of the Philistine Pentapolis, during Iron Age I and II periods.
A joint project of the W.F. Albright Institute of Archaeological Research and others, excavations at one of the Philistine Pentapolis, during Iron Age I and II periods.
Tel Rehov
Tel Rehov in the Beth-Shean valley is dated to the Bronze and Iron ages.
Tel Rehov in the Beth-Shean valley is dated to the Bronze and Iron ages.
Tel Rehov
Information on sevveral seasons of fieldwork by the Beth-Shean Valley Archaeological Project.
Information on sevveral seasons of fieldwork by the Beth-Shean Valley Archaeological Project.
Tel Tanninim
A field school run by Rutgers University on this site, occupied during the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine and Crusader eras. On the Bible and Interpretation website.
A field school run by Rutgers University on this site, occupied during the Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine and Crusader eras. On the Bible and Interpretation website.
Tel Tsaf
The archaeological site of Tel Tsaf is a Middle Chalcolithic site located near Beth-Shean in the Jordan Valley of Israel.
The archaeological site of Tel Tsaf is a Middle Chalcolithic site located near Beth-Shean in the Jordan Valley of Israel.
Tell Bethsaida
A fortified city known as Zer in the Hebrew Bible; this website description and history is from Bible Places.
A fortified city known as Zer in the Hebrew Bible; this website description and history is from Bible Places.
Tell Dothan
Excavated in the 1960s, this project concerns the historic site of Dothan, in the northern Samaria Hills on the eastern side of the Dothan Valley, from Dr. Robert Cooley of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Excavated in the 1960s, this project concerns the historic site of Dothan, in the northern Samaria Hills on the eastern side of the Dothan Valley, from Dr. Robert Cooley of Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary.
Tell el-cAjjul (Gaza Strip)
A joint Swedish-Palestinian project at this site on the Gaza strip, with occupations from the Early Bronze Age through the Islamic period.
A joint Swedish-Palestinian project at this site on the Gaza strip, with occupations from the Early Bronze Age through the Islamic period.
Tell en-Nasbeh
From Jeffrey Zorn at Cornell, excavations at a site occupied beginning in the Late Chalcolithic, and with substantial occupations in Iron Age and Babylonian/Persian periods.
From Jeffrey Zorn at Cornell, excavations at a site occupied beginning in the Late Chalcolithic, and with substantial occupations in Iron Age and Babylonian/Persian periods.
Tell es-Safi
From Bar Ilan University, excavations at the historic site of Gath, with archaeological evidence dated to the 9th century BC site
From Bar Ilan University, excavations at the historic site of Gath, with archaeological evidence dated to the 9th century BC site
Tell Halif
The Lahav Research Project, a joint project of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the Cobb Institute at Missisippi State, occupied from Chalcolithic times through the Israelite period. This page on the project is by Paul F. Jacobs in Ariadne.
The Lahav Research Project, a joint project of the University of Nebraska-Omaha and the Cobb Institute at Missisippi State, occupied from Chalcolithic times through the Israelite period. This page on the project is by Paul F. Jacobs in Ariadne.
Tell Hazor
From the Hebrew University, ongoing excavations at an ancient Canaanite and Israelite City located in the north of modern day Israel.
From the Hebrew University, ongoing excavations at an ancient Canaanite and Israelite City located in the north of modern day Israel.
Temple Mount
Clearinghouse for information on the search for the first and second synagogues on Temple Mount.
Clearinghouse for information on the search for the first and second synagogues on Temple Mount.
The Herodium
One of several fortresses built in 24 BC by Herod the Great and the only one named after him. Page from the Homelands of the Bible.
One of several fortresses built in 24 BC by Herod the Great and the only one named after him. Page from the Homelands of the Bible.
The Northern ‘Sea Peoples’ Excavation
Three sites: El-Ahwat, Tel Assawir and Site 146, all Iron Age occupations on the Mediterranean coast Excavationns by the University of Haifa are on the archaeology and the history of the 'Northern (non-Philistine) Sea Peoples' Shardana and Sikulu.
Three sites: El-Ahwat, Tel Assawir and Site 146, all Iron Age occupations on the Mediterranean coast Excavationns by the University of Haifa are on the archaeology and the history of the 'Northern (non-Philistine) Sea Peoples' Shardana and Sikulu.
Ubeidiya
Ubeidiya is an early paleolithic archaeological site located on a low rise in the Jordan Valley of Israel--and at 1.4-1.6 million years in age, it is one of the oldest hominid sites outside of Africa.
Ubeidiya is an early paleolithic archaeological site located on a low rise in the Jordan Valley of Israel--and at 1.4-1.6 million years in age, it is one of the oldest hominid sites outside of Africa.
Vadum Iacob
A 12th century AD crusader castle built by the Knights Templar and destroyed by Muslim forces in 1179 AD; from Vadum Iacob Research Project, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
A 12th century AD crusader castle built by the Knights Templar and destroyed by Muslim forces in 1179 AD; from Vadum Iacob Research Project, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Yaqush
An early Bronze Age village, occupied continuously for nearly 1,000 years, excavated by the Oriental Institute.
An early Bronze Age village, occupied continuously for nearly 1,000 years, excavated by the Oriental Institute.
Yodefat
A fortress dating from the time of Joshua; it was among the towns captured by Tiglath Pileser III in 732 BCE. Report from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
A fortress dating from the time of Joshua; it was among the towns captured by Tiglath Pileser III in 732 BCE. Report from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs.