Tel Lachish Visitor Center: Exploring the Assyrian Conquest of 701 BCE
Inaugurated in September 2024, the new and innovative Tel Lachish Visitor Center focuses primarily on the dramatic events surrounding the Assyrian conquest of Lachish in 701 BCE. Located at the foot of Tel Lachish, the center offers a compelling journey into the city’s history, with a special emphasis on its role as a key Judean stronghold during the reign of King Hezekiah.
At the heart of the visitor center is an immersive audiovisual presentation that vividly brings to life the Assyrian siege and conquest of the site. This light and sound show recreates the intensity of the conflict as reflected both in local archaeology, and the “Lachish Reliefs” found in biblical Nineveh. The presentation highlights the military strategies of the Assyrian forces under King Sennacherib and the heroic but ultimately doomed resistance of Lachish’s defenders. Connecting these events to broader historical and biblical narratives, the experience is both educational and emotionally impactful.
The Detailed Replica of the Lachish Reliefs
A centerpiece of the exhibits is the detailed replica of the Assyrian reliefs originally discovered in Nineveh, which depict the siege and capture of Lachish. These intricate carvings, considered some of the most vivid depictions of ancient warfare, provide a direct visual link to the events of 701 BCE. Visitors can see scenes of the Assyrian army’s siege ramps, the storming of the city walls, and the sober fate of the captured inhabitants, bringing history to life with extraordinary clarity.
The site itself complements the story of the conquest by showcasing key artifacts from Tel Lachish. These include remains of the city’s palace complex and siege ramp remnants that offer physical evidence of the Assyrian assault.
Tel Lachish Visitor Center offers a powerful and engaging exploration of one of the most significant moments in the ancient history of the region. It stands as a tribute to the turbulent events in the history of Biblical Judah, with its impact on the whole ancient Near East.
The visitors center and Tel Lachish National Park are open every day of the week from 8:00 to 17:00.
A tour of Tel Lachish Visitos Center and Tel Lachish can be combined in a day tour of the Shephela.