Bar-Ilan University
The
Tell es-Safi/Gath Archaeological Project is a long-term investigation aimed at
studying the archaeology and history of one of the most important sites in
Israel. This project, which began in 1996, is directed by Dr. Aren M. Maeir, an
archaeologist from Bar Ilan University of Ramat-Gan, Israel.
Tell es-Safi, which is identified by most scholars as the biblical city of "Gath of the Philistines" (the home of Goliath!), is one of the largest tells (ancient ruin mounds) in Israel and was settled almost continuously from the 5th millennium BCE until modern times.
Continuous excavations are planned for at least the next decade. They will apply state of the art archaeological research and provide a field school for students and volunteers from all over the world.
How to Get to Tell es-Safi/Gath
From Tel Aviv (click here for map): Follow Route 1 from Tel Aviv towards Jerusalem. Exit at Interchange with Route 6 ("Cross Israel Highway), bearing left towards Beersheva (going south west). Drive along route 6 until junction with Route 3 (at this stage, this is also the end of Route 6). Drive on Route 3 towards Beersheva/Ashkelon. Turn left at first traffic light on Route 3 (which is 1 km before Re'em [Masmiyah] junction) onto route 343, in the direction of the Elah Junction/Gush Etzion/Kibbutz Kfar Menahem. Drive past turnoff towards Kibbutz Kfar Menahem (where the expedition's field office is located during the excavation season), after 1 km, turn right on road leading towards Safit Power Station. Continue on paved road for 4 km until it turns into dirt road. Cross the Elah valley on the dirt road - in front of you is the tell which is located on the southern side of the valley.
From Jerusalem (click here for map): Follow Route 1 from Jerusalem towards Tel Aviv. Exit at Latrun Interchange onto Route 3, turning right towards Beersheva/Ashkelon (going south west). Drive along route 3 until the third traffic light. Turn left at traffic light onto route 343, towards Elah Junction/Gush Etzion/Kfar Menahem. Drive past turnoff towards Kibbutz Kfar Menahem (where the expedition's field office is located during the excavation season), after 1 km, turn right on road leading towards Safit Power Station. Continue on paved road for 4 km until it turns into dirt road. Cross the Elah valley on the dirt road - in front of you is the tell, which is located on the southern side of the valley.
