Archeology at Khirbet Qeiyafa

Archaeology at Khirbet Qeiyafa

  •   Archaeological finds from the time of King David
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    During archaeological excavations at Khirbet Qeiyafa, many art and cult objects and three shrines dating from the time of King David were uncovered.
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    Professor Yodef Garfinkel with a model of shrine afound at Khirbet Qeiyafa Professor Yodef Garfinkel with a model of shrine afound at Khirbet Qeiyafa Copyright: Hebrew University
     
     
    During recent archaeological excavations at Khirbet Qeiyafa, many art and cult objects and three cultic shrines dating from the time of King David were uncovered.
     
    The discovery is extraordinary as it is the first time that shrines from the time of early biblical kings were uncovered. The absence of cultic images of humans and animals in the shrines provides evidence that the inhabitants of the place practiced a different cult than that of the Canaanites or the Philistines.
     
    According to Prof. Yosef Garfinkel from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, "This is the first time that archaeologists uncovered a fortified city in Judah from the time of King David. ... Thus, various suggestions that completely deny the biblical tradition regarding King David and argue that he was a mythological figure, or just a leader of a small tribe, are now shown to be wrong."
     
    Khirbet Qeiyafa is located approximately 30 km. southwest of Jerusalem. Guided tours to the site are organised for visitors, and foreign volunteers are accepted to help on the digs.
     
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