Khirbet et-Tibbaneh

Khirbet et-Tibbaneh is an ancient settlement in the Judean Mountains at an elevation of about 600 meters. The site contains remains of a square fortress made from field stones and cut stone blocks, along with rock-cut burial chambers and water cisterns.

The settlement existed from the Early Bronze Age through the Ottoman period and served as a key administrative center during Roman times. In 66 CE it came under the command of John the Essene, marking its importance in regional conflicts.

The site's name derives from the nearby wadi and reflects the many communities that settled here across the centuries. The burial chambers show how residents honored their dead through rock-cut tombs that served multiple generations.

The site is located in hilly terrain and requires proper footwear and preparation for uneven ground. Visitors should know that active excavations are ongoing and access may be restricted depending on research activities.

Two ancient cisterns near Wadi Tibbaneh reveal how residents stored water in this dry mountain region. Traces of gardening and old pathways suggest this location held both economic and military importance.

GPS coordinates: 31.69444,35.04444

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:25