Khirbet Qeiyafa

Khirbet Qeiyafa is an archaeological site located in the Valley of Elah, Israel, dating primarily to the early 10th century BCE. This ancient fortress city, attributed by some scholars to the Kingdom of Judah during the reign of King David, spans approximately 2.3 hectares and is encircled by a formidable 700-meter-long defensive stone wall. Notable features include its unique dual-gate structure, suggesting an identification with the biblical city of Sha'arayim. The site also contains a large palatial structure, which some propose as an administrative center of the time. Artifacts such as marked jar handles and storage jars suggest cultural practices aligned with Judahite norms. The site experienced resettlement during the Hellenistic period and later underwent significant structural modifications in the Byzantine era, including the construction of a luxury villa. Khirbet Qeiyafa provides valuable insights into the early Iron Age geopolitical landscape and the cultural identity of its inhabitants.