A massive gate was uncovered at Tel es-Safi (ancient Gath, Israel) in 2015. Built in the 11th century BCE, it's 13 ft thick with 6 ft wide stones. The city was over twice the size of Jerusalem at its peak. Archaeologists found iron smelting facilities and a temple. A pottery shard bears the name Golotat, similar to Goliath.
Gath gate discovered, linked to Goliath
IsraelExcavation
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Key facts
- Massive gate discovered at Tel es-Safi in southern Israel in 2015, identified as ancient Gath
- Gate measures 13 ft thick with 6 ft wide stones, built in 11th century BCE
- City enclosed area more than twice the size of ancient Jerusalem at its peak
- Archaeologists found iron smelting facility, temple, and defensive structures
- Pottery shard found with name similar to Goliath (Golotat in Hebrew)
- City destroyed around 830 BCE by King Hazel of Aram
- Archaeologist Jeffrey Chadwick proposes Goliath's height was architectural metaphor for city's strength
Sources
Iron Age fortification and possible gate discovered at Gathferrelljenkins.blog
Prof. Aren Maeir has discovered the fortifications and entrance gate of the biblical city of Gath of the Philistines, home of Goliath and the largest city in ...
News - Monumental Gate Discovered in Philistine Cityarchaeology.org
A monumental entrance gate have been discovered in Tel Zafit National Park, at the site of a large settlement thought to be the biblical-era city of Gath.
Uncovering the Bible's Buried Cities: Gath | ArmstrongInstitute.orgarmstronginstitute.org
In excavations during the summer of 2016 at Tell es-Safi, a massive city wall and huge entry gate were discovered at the city. As stated by the ...
Tell es-Safi/ Gath Excavations - National Geographic Educationeducation.nationalgeographic.org
This series of three case studies examines different archaeological sites in Israel, and how historians and archaeologists are using GIS and other technologies ...
Archaeologists find Goliath's gate in biblical city of Gath | PhillyVoicephillyvoice.com
A team of archaeologists in Israel have discovered a massive gate that may have been an entrance to the biblical city of Gath, ...
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