Tell el-Hesi

Tell el-Hesi is a large earthen mound in southern Israel that contains many layers of ancient settlements stacked on top of each other. The site shows how different groups of people lived here over thousands of years, with new communities building their homes on the remains of earlier inhabitants.

The site has been occupied since the Early Bronze Age and shows human settlement across many ancient periods. Defensive walls were built at different times, suggesting the location held strategic importance for various groups.

Archaeological excavations at Tell el-Hesi reveal patterns of human settlement and development through different periods of ancient Palestinian civilization.

The site is mostly open ground with uneven terrain, so sturdy walking shoes are needed to explore comfortably. A guide helps explain what the different layers and walls on the mound represent to the untrained eye.

The location near a seasonal water source made it attractive to different ancient peoples over time. This helps researchers understand how ancient communities chose where to build based on access to water and travel routes.