Tel Beersheba
About Tel Beersheba
Tel Beersheba is a significant archaeological site from biblical times. Its unusual features are recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.
Abraham’s Well
Abraham’s well was seized by Abimelech’s men. Abraham signed a treaty with Abimelech (Genesis 21:32), settling the issue by recognizing Abraham as the owner of the well he dug. Abraham’s symbolic price for the right was seven sheep. So, the place became known as Beersheba, meaning “well of the oath” or “well of seven”. This well is one of the deepest in Israel about 70m to the groundwater level.
Superb Example of Biblical-era Urban Planning
Beersheba was a planned city, fortified by a solid wall of mudbrick on stone foundations. Its houses were built close to one another and opened inwards, towards a central square where livestock was probably kept. The inner-city gate with a four-chambered gatehouse provided an ideal place for officials and merchants to carry out their functions and at war, it turned into a killing zone. The city had an impressive water collecting system that included a five-chambered reservoir hewn in the chalk rock.
Restored Replica of Four-horned Altar
Pieces of the four-horned altar were found incorporated in the walls of the store house. This is the first ever unearthed in Israel. The four-horned altar was used for making sacrifices (Leviticus 8:15). The altar was apparently dismantled at a time of religious reform.
Interesting Facts
- The design of the inner-city gate is typical to the Israelite military architecture of that period. The inner-city gate was the main gate. Two tall towers would have guarded the main gate.
- The outer city gate was a secondary protection in addition to the main inner-city gate. The outer gate stood next to a water well. The well outside the city’s wall perhaps provided water to the town’s residents as well as travellers.
- The original four-horned stone altar was restored and is on permanent display at the Israel Museum.
