Fort Tower at Beisan Yields Relics of Canaanite Period (Jewish Daily Bulletin)
Discovery in Beisan of the foundations of a great Canaanite migdol, or fort tower, has resulted in some of the most important finds thus far recorded by the University of Pennsylvania Museum’s archaeological field expedition to Palestine, it was announced at the Museum today following receipt of a report from Alan Rowe, director of the expedition.
Fragments of a chariot model reminiscent of the Canaanite war chariots to which references are made in the Book of Joshua, an enormous silo with a capacity of more than 9,000 gallons, and a potsherd bearing the first hieratic inscription ever brought to light in Beisan, all were uncovered within the migdol and its environments.
In addition, the expedition also found a Canaanite well which was constructed 3,400 years ago and is believed to be the oldest of its kind in Palestine, and many pieces of pottery, scarabs, figurines and other objects, including a number of unusual interest from a historical standpoint, according to Mr. Rowe’s report.
The report was the first received since the expedition began its seventh season of work at Beisan two months ago, and recorded only the results of excavations made this fall in various sections of the Thothmes III level, dating from 1501 to 1447 B.C.; Seti I level, 1313 to 1292 B.C.; Rameses II level, 1292 to 1226 B.C., and Amenophis III level, 1411 to 1314 B.C.
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