Ancient Shechem, located at a central crossroads in the hills of Ephraim, served as a center of governance and worship for thousands of years. Historical sources mention Shechem as being situated between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. In 1903, the German archaeologist Ernst Sellin identified it at Tel Balata, an area surrounded by abundant springs and fertile valleys. The strategic crossroads provided access to the cities of Samaria and Dothan to the north, the coastal plain to the west, the Jordan Valley to the east, and Jerusalem to the south. The site covers an area of 60 dunams (about 15 acres), most of which is now covered by the modern Arab village. Nearby is Joseph’s Tomb, which further helped identify the site. The Roman Emperor Vespasian built the “new city” (Neapolis) to the east of ancient Shechem, a name preserved in the Arabic name for Shechem today: Nablus.
By Avi1111 dr. avishai teicher – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=48268741
Shechem in Biblical and Historical Sources
Shechem first appears as a city-state in ancient Egyptian texts, including the Execration Texts and the Sebek-khu Stele from the 19th century BCE. Some of the Amarna Letters from the mid-14th century BCE indicate that Shechem was a central city-state during the Egyptian rule over Canaan. These letters mention Labayu, the king of Shechem, who attempted to extend his influence into the Jezreel Valley and the coastal plain. However, he faced a coalition of Canaanite cities, backed by the Egyptians, and was ultimately defeated and killed.
In the Bible, Shechem holds significant importance. It is mentioned in the stories of the patriarchs and associated with traditions concerning Abraham (then known as “Elon Moreh”), Jacob and his sons (including the incident of Shechem and Dinah), and Joseph. Nearby, the events of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal and the Covenant of Shechem between the people of Israel and God took place. According to the Book of Joshua, after the conquest of the land, the Kohathite family of the Levites settled in Shechem, which served as a city of refuge. The Book of Judges recounts how Abimelech, the son of the judge Gideon, killed his brothers and declared himself king over Israel in Shechem. His three-year reign was marked by rebellions that eventually led to his death.
Biblical scholars note that in the Bible, control of Shechem often symbolizes control over the surrounding region. In the story of Rehoboam and Jeroboam, Shechem’s role is symbolic in asserting the independence of the northern tribes from the House of David. During the Kingdom of Israel’s era, Shechem declined in prominence as the capital moved first to Tirzah and then to Samaria.
The History of Research in Shechem
Tell Balata has been excavated in six seasons from 1913 to 1934 (intermittently), conducted by the German Society for the Exploration of Palestine under the direction of Ernst Sellin. Following this, an American expedition from Drew University in New Jersey and McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, led by George Ernest Wright and Bernard Anderson, excavated the site intermittently from 1957 to 1968. Additional excavations were carried out by William Dever in 1972-1973.
These excavations uncovered 25 distinct layers of occupation, categorized into five main periods, each separated by intervals of abandonment or transition.
Prehistory of Shechem
In the deeper test trenches that reached bedrock, artifacts from the 4th millennium BCE were uncovered. These include tent floors from the Chalcolithic period and numerous pottery items from Early Bronze Age I. During the subsequent Early Bronze Age II, the settlement appears to have moved to a location about 4 km south of Tell Balata. There might have been some activity during the Intermediate Bronze Age, though evidence is sparse.
The Kingdom of Shechem During the Middle Bronze Age
The first phase of Shechem during this period was unfortified, beginning around 1900 BCE with simple residential buildings. This coincides with Shechem’s mention in the Egyptian execration texts and the Sebek-khu Stele. The next phase began during Middle Bronze Age IIb (1750–1650 BCE), when Shechem became a city-state dominating the hill country for the next two centuries. For the first time, Shechem was fortified and underwent significant renovations over the generations.
The city reached its zenith during Middle Bronze Age IIIc (1650–1540 BCE), during which it expanded and the northwest gate was constructed. In one courtyard, a fortress known as the “Tower” was built, measuring 20 by 26 meters, with walls 5 meters thick made of hewn stones. The fortress contained an altar and stelae. The city’s houses were luxurious, and artifacts found there, such as ivory inlays for furniture, scarabs, and a dagger blade, indicate the wealth of its inhabitants. The city’s destruction was violent and likely occurred in two closely linked events around 1540 BCE. Shechem then lay abandoned for about a century.
Shechem Under Egyptian Rule – The Stronghold of Labaya
Around 1450 BCE, during the Late Bronze Age, the city of Shechem was rebuilt, including its walls and gates. The “Tower” fortress was restored, with stelae and an altar placed in the entrance courtyard. Additionally, another structure identified as a temple was constructed. By the late 15th century BCE, a mudbrick kiln was in operation, used to construct the numerous residential buildings uncovered at the site. The city reached its peak in the 14th century BCE, evidenced by unique finds such as a bronze idol figurine and two inscriptions in cuneiform script. This period corresponds with the rule of Labaya, as mentioned earlier.
Between 1350 and 1300 BCE, Shechem was destroyed, likely as a result of Labaya’s suppression. The city was rebuilt in the 13th century BCE, but it did not regain its previous level of construction and splendor. Shechem continued to exist into the Iron Age I but was destroyed again around 1100 BCE. Some scholars suggest that this destruction resonates with the biblical account of Abimelech. Following this destruction, Shechem remained abandoned throughout the 11th century BCE.
Shechem During the Monarchy
In the 10th century BCE, a settlement with simple houses was established on the ruins of the ancient city. This settlement developed until it was destroyed, possibly during the campaign of Pharaoh Shishak. In the subsequent phase, Shechem regained its prominence, attributed by scholars to the rise of King Jeroboam I of Israel and his successors. The city reached its peak in the 8th century BCE. A notable discovery from this period is “Building 1727,” a typical four-room house with a lime kiln at its center, likely used for craftwork by a local family.
In 724 BCE, Shechem was destroyed by the Assyrians. Afterwards, a small settlement existed on the site during the 7th century BCE. From this period, an ancient Hebrew seal bearing the name “Miban” was found. During the Babylonian and early Persian periods (approximately 600–475 BCE), the settlement remained small. However, findings indicate trade connections and a diverse population. This settlement coexisted with the flourishing Samaritan center on nearby Mount Gerizim.
Shechem During the Hellenistic Period
After Alexander the Great’s conquests, the settlement in Shechem was rebuilt during the Ptolemaic and Seleucid periods. Archaeological finds in the city include buildings, fortifications, and numerous coins bearing the names of Greek kings. On Tell er-Ras, located on nearby Mount Gerizim, a temple was constructed in honor of the god Zeus, suggesting a connection between the temple and the city. In 107 BCE, the Hasmonean king John Hyrcanus conquered Shechem, marking the final phase of settlement on the ancient tell of Shechem.
In the first century CE, the Romans established “the new city” (Neapolis in Latin) to the west of Tell Balata. This area has been the city’s center ever since, continuing to the present day.
Sources:
Campbell, E. F. Sechem. In Stern, E. (ED). 1993. Encyclopedia of Archeological Excavations in the Holy Land. Vol 4. Pp 1345-1354. The Israel Exploration Society. Carta. Jerusalem.