West to the lowlands of Judea

Led by Aryeh Routtenberg, this one-day tour explores three biblical mounds in the Judean foothills. At Tel Bet-Shemesh, participants will see archaeological remains, including an impressive tenth-century B.C.E. cistern, and views of the Sorek Valley. The site offers a setting for considering the biblical stories of Samson and other passages from the Bible.

At Tel Yarmut, the tour visits an important archaeological site dating to the Early Bronze Age, a period associated with the beginnings of urbanization. Visible remains include an ancient defensive wall, a public building that may have been a palace, and the site of a later biblical town.

Tel Azeka overlooks the Elah Valley, with views west toward the coastal area and east toward the hill country. This strongly fortified site, recently excavated, is known from the Bible and remained in existence until the Babylonian conquest of Judea. The story of David and Goliath is commonly told at the site, overlooking the valley traditionally associated with the battle.

Travel is by private vehicle. Bring water and food for the entire day; bringing Bibles is also recommended.