Gath-hepher

Gath-hepher, also known as Gat Hefer, was an ancient town situated in the Northern Kingdom of Israel, prominently around the 8th century BCE. The town's name translates to 'winepress' in Hebrew, indicating possible agricultural or winemaking activities. Mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, Gath-hepher is notably recognized as the hometown of the prophet Jonah. Historical accounts by figures such as Jerome and the medieval geographer Benjamin of Tudela note the proximity of Jonah's tomb to this site, although the town itself was described as modest. Today, the remnants of Gath-hepher are located in the Galilee region, near modern-day Mashhad and Kafr Kanna, characterized by ruins on a hilltop. The site's historical and religious significance, particularly related to Jonah, marks it as an important location for biblical archaeology.