Deir Alla

Why it mattersBalaam son of Beor inscription — earliest Aramaic prophetic text; literary–biblical convergence.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c.1600 BCE

Period

Late Bronze to Islamic (c.1600 BCE–1400 CE; peak Iron 1200–760 BCE, Balaam c.800)

Culture

LB Canaanite → Iron Ammon/Gilead → Persian → Hellenistic

Builders

Balaam's sanctuary custodians; Ammonite/Gileadite

Purpose

Settlement and ceremonial centre

Abandoned

760 BCE (earthquake)

Rediscovered

1960 (Franken)

Excavation

Excavated

1. c.1600 BCE

   LB Canaanite sanctuary

2. c.800 BCE

   Balaam plaster inscription (760 BCE earthquake collapse)

3. 1967

   Hooykaas/Franken discover Balaam text

4. 1960–rest

   Leiden Deir Alla expedition

• Balaam Inscription Chamber (Iron Temple Room)

  temple

  Iron temple room where plaster Balaam 'seer of the gods' inscription fell in 760 BCE quake-collapse

  32.1902° N · 35.6101° E

• LB Canaanite Sanctuary (Faience Workshop)

  temple

  Late Bronze sanctuary with Egyptian faience molds and Tunip ware

  32.1897° N · 35.6102° E

• Iron Domestic Terrace and Loom Weights

  cultural

  Iron courtyard houses with loom installations and grain storage

  32.1905° N · 35.6096° E