Location
Ai is located east of Bethel, near modern Deir Dibwan. The site, et-Tell, has been a subject of archaeological interest due to its biblical significance.
Identification
Biblical tradition places Ai in the territory of Ephraim, east of Bethel (Genesis 12:8, Joshua 7:2). The site of et-Tell has been identified as Ai, supported by W. F. Albright’s survey and the etiological tradition in Joshua 8:28. Other proposed locations include Khirbet Khaiyan and Khirbet Khudriya.
History and Biblical Context
Ai is mentioned in the Bible in the context of the Israelite conquest. The city was settled in the Early Bronze Age IB (c. 3310 BCE) and occupied until the Early Bronze Age IIIB (c. 2400 BCE), after which it was destroyed and abandoned. A small unwalled village was established on the acropolis area of the ancient ruin in the Iron Age I (c. 1220 BCE) and occupied until about 1050 BCE.
Excavations
- Garstang’s Soundings (1928): Brief excavation along the southern and western parts of the Early Bronze Age city.
- Rothschild Expedition (1933-1935): Led by J. Marquet-Krause, focused on the upper part of et-Tell, including the acropolis, sanctuary, and Early Bronze Age tombs.
- Joint Archaeological Expedition to Ai (1964-1970): Directed by the American Schools of Oriental Research, this project explored various sites at et-Tell and nearby locations to seek evidence related to Ai.
Findings
- Early Bronze Age IB: Unfortified village established, with simple houses underneath the first city walls and inside the walls at the acropolis. Artifacts reflect a mingling of foreign and indigenous elements.
- Early Bronze Age IC: A planned, walled city of 27.5 acres was constructed, including an acropolis building, industrial area, residential area, and city-gate complexes.
- Iron Age I: A small unwalled village was established on the acropolis, with houses built on the ruins of the Early Bronze Age III city.
Sources
Stern, Ephraim-New Encyclopedia of Archaeological Excavations in the Holy Land 1-Israel Exploration Society (1993)