Tell Balata, is an archaeological site located near the city of Nablus in the West Bank, Palestine. It is an ancient tell, which is a mound composed of the accumulated remains of successive settlements over centuries or millennia.

Tel Balata is believed to be the site of the biblical city of Shechem, an important Canaanite and Israelite city mentioned in the Old Testament. It has a rich history that spans several periods, including the Canaanite, Israelite, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods.

Excavations at Tel Balata have revealed numerous layers of occupation, providing valuable insights into the ancient history and urban development of the region. The remains include city walls, fortifications, houses, temples, palaces, tombs, and various artifacts.

One of the notable findings at Tel Balata is the monumental stone structure known as the “Tower of Shechem.” This tower dates back to the Middle Bronze Age and is believed to have been a prominent feature of the ancient city’s defensive system.

Other significant discoveries at Tel Balata include a well-preserved Canaanite palace complex, a large water reservoir, a Late Bronze Age cemetery, and evidence of a major destruction layer possibly related to the conquest of Shechem by the Israelites.

Here are some of the most notable finds from Tel Balata:

• A large temple complex from the Late Bronze Age (1500-1200 BCE)
• A palace from the Iron Age (1200-586 BCE)
• A number of Canaanite and Israelite figurines
• A large hoard of silver coins from the Hellenistic period (332-31 BCE)