Tell Beit Mirsim

Tell Beit Mirsim is a prominent archaeological site in Israel, situated on the boundary between the lowlands of Shfela and Mount Hebron. This site, excavated by William F. Albright in the early 20th century, revealed a sequence of 10 or 11 strata spanning from the late 3rd millennium BCE to around 589 BCE. Among its most significant findings are well-preserved ceramic layers that have become a standard reference for regional archaeology. The site features a town plan typical of the Kingdom of Judah, comparable to other known locations such as Beit Shemesh and Beersheba. Additionally, installations for olive oil production were identified, corroborating the site’s role in ancient industrial activities. Although initially identified with the biblical city of Dvir (Debir), this identification has since been reconsidered by the archaeological community.