Ancient Canaanite fortress from time of biblical Book of Judges reopens in southern Israel
The fortress, located in the heart of the Guvrin Forest in the Judean Lowlands, was discovered during 2018-2019 excavations by IAA archaeologists Dr. Saar Ganor and Dr. Itamar Weissbein.
The 12th century Canaanite Gal'on Fortress, located in southern Israel, has reopened after extensive conservation and renovation work completed by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA). The fortress, discovered during excavations in 2018-2019, is believed to have been built to protect the local Canaanite inhabitants from foreign incursions, possibly from the Philistines.
It is situated in the heart of the Guvrin Forest and provides a glimpse into the geopolitical reality described in the Book of Judges during the 12th century BCE. The fortress consists of a square structure with watchtowers at each corner, a threshold carved of solid rock, and an inner court covered by stone plates with columns.
KKL-JNF invested approximately 400,000 NIS into renovating the site, including preserving the citadel, installing new visitor infrastructure, and maintaining its historical values.
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