Beth-zur, Archaeological site in the mountains of Hebron, West Bank
Beth-zur is an archaeological site in the mountains of the Hebron region, spreading across several hectares with remains from multiple periods. The location contains foundations of fortifications, towers, and residential structures that document the settlement's development over thousands of years.
The site was founded in ancient times and later became an important center under various rulers, from Persian through Hellenistic periods. In 164 BCE, a major battle took place here when Judas Maccabeus fought against the Seleucid army.
The name Beth-zur comes from ancient Hebrew meaning 'house of rock', and biblical texts mention it as a settlement of the Tribe of Judah. The ruins reveal how communities remained rooted in this mountainous region across different eras.
The site sits along the road between Jerusalem and Hebron, making it accessible, with remains partly exposed and partly excavated for viewing. Visitors should expect uneven ground and wear appropriate footwear, as the archaeological area spreads across hilly terrain.
Excavations uncovered a rare coin inscribed with the name of a local governor, providing direct evidence of administrative organization from the Persian period. This discovery reveals that the settlement functioned as a managed administrative center during that era.
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