Tel Afula, Castle ruin in northern Israel.
Tel Afula is an archaeological site in northern Israel featuring a square fortress from the medieval period. The structure was built with stones, including materials repurposed from Roman-era burial chambers.
The fortress dates to the Mamluk era, yet the site shows signs of habitation stretching back thousands of years. Earlier inhabitants from the Late Chalcolithic through Ayyubid periods left their mark on this location.
The site reflects the overlay of multiple societies that occupied this location over centuries. You can sense how different peoples built upon and reused what came before them.
The site sits on a hilltop and requires different preparation depending on the season. Sturdy shoes and water are advisable, especially during hot weather or after rain.
A distinctive feature of this fortress is its reuse of Roman burial stones as building blocks. This shows how medieval builders worked practically, making use of available materials they found nearby.
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