History of Azekah in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: March 26, 2025

Azekah was an ancient town situated in the Shephela region, strategically positioned to defend the upper Valley of Elah. It was located approximately 26 kilometers (16 miles) northwest of Hebron. Its location made it a significant defensive point in ancient times.

1900: Close of Excavations

In 1900, English archaeologists Frederick J. Bliss and R. A. Stewart Macalister concluded their excavations at Tel Azekah, refilling all of their excavation trenches in order to preserve the site.

1948: Depopulation of Az-Zakariyya

In 1948, the village of Az-Zakariyya, located near Tell Zakariyeh, was depopulated and later settled by the moshav Zekharia.

1953: Government Naming Committee Decision

In 1953, the Government Naming Committee in Israel officially designated the name "Tel Azekah" to Khirbet Tall Zakariya.

2008: Archaeological Site Survey

In 2008, Oded Lipschits, Yuval Gadot, and Shatil Imanuelov conducted a survey of the Tel Azekah site on behalf of Tel-Aviv University's Institute of Archaeology.

2010: Archaeological Site Survey

In 2010, Oded Lipschits, Yuval Gadot, and Shatil Imanuelov conducted a survey of the Tel Azekah site on behalf of Tel-Aviv University's Institute of Archaeology.

2012: Commencement of the Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition

In the summer of 2012, the Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition, led by Prof. Oded Lipschits, Dr. Yuval Gadot, and Prof. Manfred Oeming, commenced as part of the Elah Valley Project. During the first season, 300 volunteers uncovered walls, installations, and hundreds of artifacts.