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Khirbet Qeiyafa

Elah Fortress
Israel1020 BCE980 BCEIron Age IIA31.72, 34.93
About the site

Fortified city dating to the time of King David. The Qeiyafa Ostracon is one of the earliest Hebrew inscriptions, supporting early Israelite statehood.

Principal findings
  • iQeiyafa Ostracon inscription
  • iiTwo-gate city plan
  • iiiNo pig bones found (dietary evidence)
  • ivFortification walls

Excavators — Yosef Garfinkel