Tel Afek, Archaeological site and nature reserve in Kiryat Bialik, Israel

Tel Afek is an archaeological mound in the Ein Afek Nature Reserve, east of Kiryat Bialik. A two-story Crusader fortress stands at the site, with a water-powered flour mill on its lower floor. Two aqueducts from the Crusader period have been excavated, and the nearby springs feed the Nahal Na'aman.

Tel Afek preserves remains from the Chalcolithic age, with Middle Bronze Age IIA burial caves cut into chalk bedrock reused in Late Bronze Age II. In the Crusader era the site was called Recordane; in 1154 the Hospitallers acquired the mill and village, and between 1235 and 1262 they disputed water rights with the Templars. Two aqueducts from this era have been excavated, and a two-story fortress with a water-powered flour mill on its lower floor still stands.

The location holds biblical significance as the ancient town of Aphik, mentioned in the Book of Joshua as a settlement of the Tribe of Asher. Local people have long valued the abundant water sources for farming and daily life.

Marked trails wind through the area, offering good spots for wildlife viewing and exploration of the fortress remains. Sturdy footwear and sun protection are wise choices, especially in the wetter sections of the reserve.

Gottlieb Schumacher recorded markings on the mill in 1900 that he took to be Phoenician. Two aqueducts from the Crusader period have also been excavated at the site, alongside the two-story fortress whose lower floor held the water-powered flour mill.