Gath gate discovered, linked to Goliath. 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
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.
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
Related site: Gath — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Biblical Giants: 5 Unexplained Ancient Artifacts Left Behind by Dark5 Ancient Mysteries