Location and Identification:
Tel Erani (Tell esh-Sheikh Ahmed el-Areini) is one of the most significant ancient sites in the eastern part of the Coastal Plain. It is situated at kilometer 19 on the highway connecting the coastal road (near Ashkelon) with Beth Guvrin. The site comprises three parts: the acropolis, the high terrace, and the lower terrace. The acropolis rises 32 meters above the surrounding plain.
Historical Context:
The site was initially identified with Libnah and later with Gath of the Philistines. However, subsequent evidence invalidated these identifications, and the site was renamed Tel Erani. An acceptable identification for Tel Erani has yet to be proposed.
History of Excavations:
Six seasons of excavations were conducted between 1956 and 1961 by the Israel Department of Antiquities and Museums. The fourth season was a joint project with the Italian Centro per le Antichita e la Storia dell’Arte del Vicino Oriento. S. Yeivin directed all the seasons. Further excavations were undertaken in 1985, 1987, and 1988 to extend the area excavated by S. Yeivin and to reevaluate the stratigraphic sequence.
Findings:
- The summit of the acropolis was used as a cemetery in post-Byzantine times, with about two hundred burials discovered from the Early Arab period to the seventeenth century.
- The excavations revealed ancient remains on the two terraces surrounding the acropolis. Several areas were chosen for excavation, revealing various architectural and historical layers.
- Four superimposed fortification systems were discovered on the slope of the acropolis. The highest of these systems had a gateway leading to a town square inside the city.
- The stratification in the area revealed several layers from the Hellenistic, Persian, and Iron Age periods. Notably, stratum V from the Iron Age III (seventh century BCE) had remains of three large buildings, courtyards, and fragments of jar handles stamped with lamelekh impressions.
Sources
Stern, Ephraim-New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land new-Israel Exploration Society (2008)