Tel Hazor is considered one of most largest and important biblical sites in the Holy Land, also Canaanite and Israelite historical periods.

“But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, save Hazor only; that did Joshua burn.”

(Joshua 11:13 KJV)

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The Bible described it site as "the head of all those kingdoms" (canaanites). Travel to this archaeological site is an important and very exciting experience. Tel Hazor bringing you back 3-4 thousands years ago to the times this might city was the gateway between Egypt and Mesopotamia empires.

Tel Hazor is located on the northern east of Israel, in the upper Galilee. Its is located on the main ancient road through Syria to Babylon and it location made it an important city. This road bypassed the impossible way through the desert, and was an important link between the two extensive and strong empires of the ancient world: The Egypt on the south, and the Mesopotamia (Babylon, Assyria, Persia) on the north.

And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron, and to the king of Achshaph, And to the kings that were on the north of the mountains, and of the plains south of Chinneroth, and in the valley, and in the borders of Dor on the west, And to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpeh. And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, much people, even as the sand that is upon the sea shore in multitude, with horses and chariots very many. And when all these kings were met together, they came and pitched together at the waters of Merom, to fight against Israel. And the LORD said unto Joshua, Be not afraid because of them: for to morrow about this time will I deliver them up all slain before Israel: thou shalt hough their horses, and burn their chariots with fire. So Joshua came, and all the people of war with him, against them by the waters of Merom suddenly; and they fell upon them. And the LORD delivered them into the hand of Israel, who smote them, and chased them unto great Zidon, and unto Misrephothmaim, and unto the valley of Mizpeh eastward; and they smote them, until they left them none remaining. And Joshua did unto them as the LORD bade him: he houghed their horses, and burnt their chariots with fire. 

And Joshua at that time turned back, and took Hazor, and smote the king thereof with the sword: for Hazor beforetime was the head of all those kingdoms. And they smote all the souls that were therein with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them: there was not any left to breathe: and he burnt Hazor with fire.

(Joshua 11:1–11 KJV)

Razor is one of UNESCO World Heritage Site, its biblical history is rich: it was first conquered by Joshua and later became a main city of Solomon's Empire. Archaeological excavations have revel important finds, including a excavated and restored altar and Canaanite palace bearing signs of a huge fire attributed to Joshua’s conquests. You can also see the gates and walls builds by the King Solomon’s and the incridible Israelite water system that was one of the engineering marvels of its day.

Tel Hazor is a tale of two cities:

  • Upper city of Hazor - 40M above the south side of the valley. The size of the upper city is 100 Dunam (10 Hectares), and is protected by massive and high walls. This part of the city is full of palaces, temples and fortifications. Only this section is opened to the public, but you can see a great panoramic view to the lower city.
  • Lower city of Hazor - the larger city is located on the north side of valley of Hazor. Its size is huge: 700 Dunam (70 Hectares). It is protected by a large rampart, archaeologists not made any serious excavations in this area.