Altar on Mount Ebal, Archaeological site at Mount Ebal, Palestine
The Altar on Mount Ebal is a rectangular stone structure standing on the hilltop at 950 meters elevation, measuring about 9 by 7 meters. Archaeological excavations at this location have uncovered burnt animal bones, pottery vessels, and incense burners.
The site was excavated in 1980 and revealed a fortified structure from the Iron Age I period, dating to around 1200 BCE. The layers show that this building was constructed during an important era of regional history.
The remains reveal ancient religious rituals performed at this location, with ceremonial vessels and animal bones pointing to sacred practices. These objects tell of the worship traditions that took place on this hilltop.
Visiting this site requires advance permission, as it lies within a military zone and is not freely accessible to the public. Exploration is typically possible only through organized archaeological expeditions with trained professionals.
A small lead tablet discovered at the site bears marks of early Hebrew script with repeated references to curses. The text also includes the name of a deity and offers a rare direct window into the religious language of that era.
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