ABSTRACT
The mound is over 300 feet above sea level and is about 16 acres in size. It contains layers of occupational debris nearly 50 feet deep. Archaeologically, what can be said is that during the Middle Bronze Age II B (1750-1550 BCE), a well-fortified town existed here. In fact, the three-entryway gate from this period is very similar to other gates known from such sites as Gezer, Hazor, Shechem, and Tell Beit Mirsim. From the Late Bronze Age (1550-1200 BCE), a large building (called “the residency”) measuring some 82 by 72 feet was uncovered. It contained a central courtyard, bedrooms and a “bathroom.” In one storeroom, 45 jars were found, some sealed with conical clay stoppers sporting the figure of a “god” riding upon a lion. The remains of a small charred wooden box with Egyptian hunting scenes and dancing girls was also recovered.
