Unearthing History: A Fortress from King David's Era Revealed in the Golan

A fortified complex dating back to the era of King David has been uncovered in ongoing archaeological excavations at the Hispin settlement in the Golan. Researchers estimate that the fortress, dated to the 10th-11th centuries BCE, was constructed by the Kingdom of Geshur, an ally of King David's Israel, to aid in regional control. The excavation is part of preparatory work for the expansion of the settlement, supported by the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Golan Regional Council.

"The site we've uncovered was strategically positioned," explained the excavation directors, Barak Tzin and Ano Baron of the Israel Antiquities Authority. "It sits atop a small hill on the bank of Nahal El Al, overseeing the surrounding area. Nearby, the stream could be crossed without navigating the deep channel. The fortress was constructed with large stones ('boulders'), its walls about one and a half meters thick, encircling the natural hill."

The Aramean Kingdom of Geshur, which ruled central and southern Golan approximately 3,000 years ago, likely placed its capital in the recently discovered fortified city at Tel Bethsaida, located within the Jordan Park, northeast of the Sea of Galilee. This kingdom had diplomatic and familial ties with King David's house; one of King David's wives was Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, King of Geshur.

The cities of the Kingdom of Geshur are known around the Sea of Galilee, including Tel Ein Gev, Tel Hadar, and Tel Sorag. However, in the Golan itself, few sites from the time of King David's kingdom are recognized, and those are small in scale. The unique fortified complex uncovered in Hispin reignites interest in studying this period in the Golan.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Construction and Housing and the Golan Regional Council, the construction plan for Hispin will be altered to preserve the fortress. It will be developed into an open public area on the bank of Nahal El Al, with plans for educational archaeological activities to learn about heritage and connect the public to the past.

Chaim Rokach, head of the Golan Regional Council, stated: "In the Golan, the glorious past of the Jewish people merges with the present - the settlement throughout the Golan, as we look to the exciting future ahead - continued growth and absorption. The residents of the Golan are the strong link between the past, present, and future. There are many excavations in the public areas of the Golan, where residents and tourists alike wander and live. History is a constant witness to this, and we are proud to be part of its preservation."