Tel esh-Sharia

Tel esh-Sharia is an archaeological mound in the Negev with layers of remains from different historical periods stacked on top of each other. The site contains the ruins of grain storage buildings, bathing facilities, and religious structures left behind by ancient inhabitants.

Settlement began on this mound during prehistoric times and continued through the Byzantine era, with each period adding its own buildings and structures. The middle periods saw the construction of fortifications that served military purposes centuries later.

The site reveals how different peoples adapted their lives to this location across many centuries, building structures that suited their time. Walking through the layers, you notice how building styles and daily practices shifted with each new era of settlement.

The mound sits elevated in open desert landscape and is relatively easy to spot from a distance, but the area is dry with little shade available. Bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear since you will walk over uneven ground and climb over scattered remains.

During World War I, Turkish military forces used the elevated position of this mound to watch over railway lines in the region. This military history shows how the natural landscape features of the place held strategic value across thousands of years.