Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis

Why it mattersKey Philistine (Gath of Goliath) tell with stratified sequence and regional typology.

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

Built

c. 1170 BCE Philistine city; earlier EB 2800 BCE

Period

Early Bronze to Crusader; Philistine peak 1170–830 BCE

Culture

Philistine (Gath of Goliath)

Purpose

Gath of Goliath — Philistine pentapolis largest (24 ha inner + 50 ha outer) with siege trench

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1976

Excavation

Excavated

1. c. 800 CE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis

2. 1950 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis

3. c. 1170 BCE Philistine city; earlier EB 2800 BCE

   Initial construction / first occupation at Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis

• Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — Principal Palace

  palace

  palace at Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — outlier feature

  31.6976° N · 34.8471° E

• Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — Northern Temple

  temple

  temple at Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — primary structure

  31.6979° N · 34.8442° E

• Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — Gate Annex 3

  gate

  gate at Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — primary structure

  31.6972° N · 34.8474° E

• Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — Eastern Palace

  palace

  palace at Tell es-Safi — Gath Philistine Acropolis — subsidiary complex

  31.6972° N · 34.8470° E