Tel Beersheva (Beersheba) March 1999

      These reconstructed walls were laid upon the foundations from the time of Hezekiah, king of Judah. Archaeologists restored the city of his day.  Earlier remains were found near the city gate to indicate habitation during the 10th century BC - probably from the time of Solomon.  The ruins called Tell Beersheva covered about three acres.  The location is a few miles outside of Beersheba (Beersheva in Hebrew) along the nahal (dry gulch) that flowed toward the city after heavy rains during some winters.  There is a bridge over the nahal (dry gulch) and an irrigated grain field in the background.

Tel Beersheva - Sept. 2003

     A replica of a Judean horned sacrificial altar dug up at the site.  The ancient Israelis offered burnt offerings for they thought the deity liked the smell of roasted flesh.  There is evidence the ancient Mesopotamians offered burnt offerings.  The Western Semitic tribes north of Israel (Ugarit) offered animal sacrifices, including burnt offerings.  The Egyptians offered foods presented to the deity(ies) and incense offerings in their religion(s).  The Hittites offered food offerings to their many deities.