Ezion-Geber/Tell el-Kheleifeh

Overview

Ezion-Geber, identified with the archaeological site of Tell el-Kheleifeh on the border between Jordan and Israel, represents a complex of ancient industrial installations that have been the subject of extensive archaeological investigation since the late 19th century. The site, which dates to the 10th and 9th centuries BCE, features a series of stone foundations, workshops, and storage areas that suggest a sophisticated industrial operation focused on copper production and trade. The significance of this discovery lies in its potential connection to the biblical narrative, particularly in 1 Kings 9:26, where King Solomon is described as having established a port at Ezion-Geber, which would have facilitated trade and commerce in the region. The industrial activity at Ezion-Geber would have been essential for supporting the economic ventures of the United Monarchy, providing a vital link to the Red Sea trade routes and enabling the exchange of goods with distant regions. The discovery of this site has profound implications for our understanding of the early Israelite economy, suggesting that the region was not only a center of agricultural activity but also a hub of industrial production and trade. The presence of extensive slag heaps and processing facilities at the site provides tangible evidence of the sophisticated technological capabilities of the time, as well as the administrative organization required to manage such large-scale operations. Today, Ezion-Geber stands as a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the ancient builders, offering a glimpse into the complex dynamics of power and trade in the ancient world.

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