Tel Malhata, Archaeological site in Southern District, Israel.
Tel Malhata is an archaeological site in the southern Negev with traces of stone buildings, pottery shards, and ancient tools scattered across different elevation levels. The remains show a dense pattern of human habitation with several excavation areas that provide a clear picture of ancient life here.
The site was a major Bronze Age settlement from around 3000 to 1200 BCE and served as a hub for trade routes across the Negev region. Its occupation ended in the Late Bronze Age and shapes our understanding of ancient economic networks in southern Israel.
The settlement served as a meeting point where different populations traded goods and shared practices, as shown in the varied pottery styles and tools discovered here. Objects of daily life reveal how multiple groups coexisted and influenced one another at this location.
The site is accessible from Road 31 via marked trails, and morning visits offer the clearest views for exploring the remains. The paths are relatively flat, but the area offers little shade, so sun protection is important.
The site reveals remains of a sophisticated water management system that allowed inhabitants to practice agriculture in this arid region. These hydraulic structures demonstrate advanced technical knowledge and adaptation to the harsh climate.
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