Welcome to Lachish – Israel’s Ancient City
Lachish is an ancient city in the Judean foothills, located about 20 miles southwest of Jerusalem. It is one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel, having been inhabited since the Early Bronze Age. The city was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history, with remains from the Late Bronze Age, Iron Age, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman and Crusader periods. Today, Lachish is a popular tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site, with plenty to explore and discover.
Exploring the History of Lachish
Lachish has long been considered one of the most important cities in ancient Israel. It is mentioned in the Hebrew Bible over 40 times, and it is believed to have been the second most important city in ancient Judah after Jerusalem. The ancient city is also mentioned in the Amarna Letters, which are clay tablets from the 14th century BC that contain diplomatic correspondence between Egypt and Canaanite cities.
The ruins of Lachish were first discovered in the 19th century, and archaeological excavations began in 1932. The ruins were initially identified as the Biblical city of Lachish, and further excavations revealed a series of ancient fortifications, as well as an impressive city gate. These remains have helped archaeologists to piece together the history of the city, from its Bronze Age beginnings to its destruction by the Assyrians in the 7th century BC.
The Most Impressive Sights at Lachish
Today, the archaeological site of Lachish is a popular tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city, including the impressive city gate and fortifications. Other highlights include the Iron Age palace, the three-story palace with its colorful frescoes, and the temple complex with its well-preserved altar.
The most impressive sight at Lachish is the impressive city gate, which dates back to the 8th century BC. The gate was built with two towers, and it is believed to have been the main entrance to the city. The gate is decorated with intricate carvings, including a relief of two rows of soldiers facing one another in battle.
Visiting Lachish
Visiting Lachish is easy, as it is located just off Highway 35, close to Tel Lachish National Park. The site is open daily from 8am to 5pm, and tickets can be purchased at the entrance. Guided tours of the site are also available from the park headquarters.
Conclusion
Lachish is an ancient city in the Judean foothills, and it is one of Israel’s most important archaeological sites. The city was destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history, and today its ruins are a popular tourist attraction. Highlights include the impressive city gate, Iron Age palace and temple complex. Visiting Lachish is easy and tickets can be purchased at the entrance.