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Tel Goded (In Arabic: Tel el-Jdeideh, “The New Mound”) is an archaeological site in the heart of the Judean Foothills (the Shephelah), 20 km south of Beth-Shemesh. Set on a hill with strategic significance, Tel Goded was settled throughout various periods of history.

History and Archaeology of Tel Goded

The ancient name of Tel Goded is unknown. Still, some scholars suggested identifying Tel Goded with Moresheth Gath, the hometown of prophet Micha (1:1). A British expedition excavated most of the site on the turn of the 20th century. Sporadic evidence from the Iron Age might be related to the Biblical prophet Micha, but the main finds relate to a Hellenistic-era mansion. On the eastern slope of the mound are several bell-shaped caves used for different purposes. Jewish rebels turned some into hideouts during the Bar-Kokhba revolt (132-135 CE).

Touring Tel Goded

The hideout caves are a short walk from road 38, and crawling through them requires flashlights. The hike to Tel Goded’s hilltop provides stunning views of the southern Judean lowlands and the coastal plein. It is especially recommended to tour the site in the spring when the area blooms in dazzling carpets of wildflowers.

A tour of Tel Goded can be combined in a guided day tour in the Judean Foothills (the Shephelah).

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