Gal-On Fortress

The Gal On fortress is an archaeological site located in central Israel, near the modern-day kibbutz of Gal On. The site was discovered in 2018 during an excavation led by the Israel Antiquities Authority. The fortress is dated to the Late Bronze Age (15th-13th centuries BCE), and it is one of the largest and best-preserved Canaanite fortresses in Israel.

The fortress is located on a hilltop, and it measures about 18 by 18 meters (59 by 59 feet). The fortress has four corner towers, and it is surrounded by a thick wall. The entrance to the fortress is through a massive gate, which is made of a single stone block weighing about three tons.

The interior of the fortress is divided into two parts: a courtyard and a series of rooms. The courtyard is paved with stone slabs, and it has a central column. The rooms are located on either side of the courtyard, and they were used for storage and living quarters.

The fortress was built to control the trade routes that passed through the region. It was also used as a military base, and it played an important role in the defense of the Canaanite city-states against the invading Israelites.

The discovery of the Gal On fortress provides important insights into the military and political history of Canaan during the Late Bronze Age. The fortress is a reminder of the power and sophistication of the Canaanite city-states, and it provides evidence of the conflict between the Canaanites and the Israelites.