A 3,000-Year-Old Palace on Israel’s Northern Frontier

Excavating the time of David and beyond at Abel Beth Maacah
AIBA | Brent Nagtegaal

Abel Beth Maacah is the northernmost archaeological site in modern Israel and a critical ancient junction between the kingdoms of Israel, Phoenicia and Aram-Damascus. Excavations at the massive site continued this summer under the leadership of Prof. Naama Yahalom-Mack and Dr. Nava Panitz-Cohen, both from Hebrew University. Just before the conclusion of the dig, host Brent Nagtegaal traveled to the very north of Israel to interview Professor Yahalom-Mack about discoveries at the site, including what she believes to be a palatial building from around 3,000 years ago.

The Tel Abel Beth Maacah Excavations are a joint project between Hebrew University of Jerusalem (Naama Yahalom-Mack and Nava Panitz-Cohen) and Azusa Pacific University, Los Angeles (Robert A. Mullins). They are conducted in collaboration with the Israel National Parks Authority and the Israel Antiquities Authority.

Academic advisers include: Prof. Amihai Mazar (Hebrew University of Jerusalem) and Prof. Lawson Younger (Trinity International University). The associate director is Matthew Susnow (Hebrew University of Jerusalem).

Show Notes

Abel Beth Maacah Excavation website