Tel Zayit

The excavation area covers 7.5 acres on elevated terrain, reaching 176 meters above sea level with steep slopes on south and east sides.

The settlement experienced two major fire destructions, one around 1200 BCE and another in the ninth century BCE during the campaign of Hazael of Aram.

Excavations revealed multiple occupation layers spanning 3,500 years, including structures from Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, and Roman periods with local pottery production.

The location near Nahal Guvrin stream provided water access through artesian wells, while three principal north-south and east-west roads intersected near the site.

The discovery of the Zayit Stone in 2005 contained one of the oldest known abecedary inscriptions, dating to the tenth or ninth century BCE.

Location: Southern District

GPS coordinates: 31.63008,34.83065

Latest update: March 13, 2025 10:35