Sokho

The site of Sokho, also referred to by several alternate spellings, is an ancient town located within the territorial domain of Judah, mentioned in the Hebrew Bible. Archaeologically significant for its occupation as early as the Iron Age, the site features remnants of defensive walls dating back to the Middle Bronze Age and shows evidence of habitation through various periods, including Iron Age II and Byzantine times. The city holds historical importance for its strategic location in the Valley of Elah, where notable biblical events, such as the Philistine encampment before Goliath's encounter with David, are said to have occurred. The site has yielded artifacts like terracotta figurines and is believed to have served administrative purposes during the Judean monarchy. Its ruins, including ancient wells and cisterns, add to the understanding of ancient urban planning and water management.