Geographical and Strategic Importance

Beth-shean, also known as Beisan or Bet She’an, is a significant ancient city located at a strategic point commanding the entrance to the Valley of Jezreel from the Jordan Valley. The ancient site is situated at Tell el-Husn (Tel Bet She’an), approximately 120 meters below sea level. To the east, the land drops sharply to about 275 meters below sea level by the banks of the Jordan River, roughly 5 kilometers away. This geographical positioning provided Beth-shean with a formidable military advantage, as it was built on a large mound on the rim of this declivity. The flat valley plain to the west, through which the river Jalud (Nahal Harod) flows, is well-watered and fertile, rising steadily until it reaches Jezreel, about 17 kilometers to the west-northwest. Beth-shean was also a crucial junction town on the favored route leading from the Mediterranean Coast through the Jordan Valley and on to Damascus and Arabia. This made it a vital hub for trade and military movements throughout its history.

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeological excavations at Beth-shean have revealed numerous strata or levels of ancient ruins, with the earliest dating back before the time of Abraham. Toward the middle of the second millennium B.C.E., Beth-shean appears to have come under Egyptian domination following Thutmose III’s victory at Megiddo. Evidence indicates that it served as an Egyptian outpost throughout the reigns of several Pharaohs.

Biblical Chronology and Israelite Conquest

At the time of the Israelite conquest of Canaan (c. 1406-1375 B.C.E.), Beth-shean was located within the territory allotted to Issachar but was assigned to the tribe of Manasseh for a possession. Joshua 17:11 states, “Within Issachar and Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its villages, Ibleam and its villages, the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, the inhabitants of En-dor and its villages, the inhabitants of Taanach and its villages, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, the third is Naphath.” However, the men of Manasseh failed to drive out the Canaanites in Beth-shean and other towns of the valley. Joshua 17:12-13 records, “Yet the people of Manasseh could not take possession of those cities, but the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. Now when the people of Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor but did not utterly drive them out.” The reason given was the military advantage exercised by the Canaanites with their war chariots equipped with iron scythes, which did not satisfy their commander Joshua. Judges 1:27-28 further confirms this, stating, “Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its villages, or Taanach and its villages, or the inhabitants of Dor and its villages, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its villages, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its villages, for the Canaanites persisted in dwelling in that land. When Israel grew strong, they put the Canaanites to forced labor, but did not drive them out completely.”

Philistine Occupation and King Saul’s Defeat

Beth-shean was in the possession of the Philistines during the reign of King Saul. Following Saul’s defeat at adjacent Mount Gilboa, the Philistine victors placed Saul’s armor in “the house of the Ashtoreth images” and his head on the house of Dagon, and hung the dead bodies of Saul and his sons on the wall of Beth-shean. 1 Samuel 31:8-10 recounts, “The next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. They cut off his head and stripped off his armor and sent messengers throughout the land of the Philistines, to carry the good news to the house of their idols and to the people. They put his armor in the temple of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the wall of Beth-shan.” Courageous Israelites from Jabesh-gilead, about 20 kilometers away on the other side of the Jordan, retrieved the bodies, perhaps penetrating the city at night to do so. 1 Samuel 31:11-13 states, “But when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, all the valiant men arose and went all night and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and they came to Jabesh and burned them there. And they took their bones and buried them under the tamarisk tree in Jabesh and fasted seven days.”

Temples and Religious Significance

Excavations at Tell el-Husn have uncovered the ruins of two temples, one of which is considered to be the temple of Ashtoreth, while the other, farther to the south, is suggested by some to be the temple of Dagon. The temple of Ashtoreth is estimated to have continued in use until about the 12th century B.C.E. Evidence indicates an earlier worship of a Baal god referred to in one stele as “Mekal the master [Baal] of Beth-shan.”

Israelite Conquest and Subsequent History

The city was eventually conquered by the Israelites, likely during the time of David’s reign. During Solomon’s reign, Beth-shean was included in one of the 12 royal supply districts. 1 Kings 4:12 mentions, “Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach, Megiddo, and all Beth-shean that is beside Zarethan below Jezreel, and from Beth-shean to Abel-meholah, as far as the other side of Jokmeam.” Following the division of the kingdom, Pharaoh Shishak (Sheshonk I) invaded Palestine during King Rehoboam’s fifth year (c. 926 B.C.E.). 1 Kings 14:25-26 records, “In the fifth year of King Rehoboam, Shishak king of Egypt came up against Jerusalem. He took away the treasures of the house of Jehovah and the treasures of the king’s house. He took away everything. He also took away all the shields of gold that Solomon had made.” A relief on a wall at Karnak in Egypt depicts Shishak’s victorious campaign and conquest of numerous towns, including Beth-shean.

Hellenistic and Roman Periods

By the time of the Maccabees, the name of Beth-shean had been changed to Scythopolis. It is referred to by the Jewish historian Josephus as the largest city of the Decapolis. In “The Jewish War,” Josephus writes, “Scythopolis was the largest of the cities of the Decapolis, and it was the only one of these ten cities lying west of the Jordan.” Beth-shean’s rich history, strategic importance, and archaeological findings make it a significant site for understanding the ancient Near East and the biblical narrative. The city’s various phases of occupation and its role in biblical events highlight its importance in the historical and religious context of the region.

Beth-shean: A Historical and Archaeological Examination

Geographical and Strategic Importance

Beth-shean, also known as Beisan or Bet She’an, is an ancient city located at a strategic point that controls the entrance to the Valley of Jezreel from the Jordan Valley. The ancient site is situated at Tell el-Husn (Tel Bet She’an), about 120 meters below sea level. To the east, the land drops sharply to about 275 meters below sea level by the banks of the Jordan River, roughly 5 kilometers away. This geographical positioning gave Beth-shean a strong military advantage, as it was built on a large mound on the edge of this steep drop. The flat valley plain to the west, through which the river Jalud (Nahal Harod) flows, is well-watered and fertile, rising steadily until it reaches Jezreel, about 17 kilometers to the west-northwest. Beth-shean was also a crucial junction town on the favored route leading from the Mediterranean Coast through the Jordan Valley and on to Damascus and Arabia. This made it an important hub for trade and military movements throughout its history.

Archaeological Discoveries

Archaeologists have dug up many layers of ancient ruins at Beth-shean, with the earliest dating back before the time of Abraham. They found 18 levels of occupation, reaching virgin soil at a depth of 70 feet. The earliest levels, XVIII-XVII, belong to the Chalcolithic period, where they found remains of houses with walls made of plano-convex bricks (one side flat, the other curved). Levels XVI-XI are from the Early Bronze Age, with level XVI showing remains of apsidal houses (houses with a rounded end) built of flat bricks. Levels XV-XIV had houses built of bricks on stone foundations, and all these levels contained typical pottery and many flint tools. Level X dates to the Middle Bronze Age IIB and C, the period of Hyksos domination. Levels IX-V represent the Late Bronze Age and the beginning of the Iron Age. Archaeologists dated these levels by the names of Egyptian rulers but had to correct some mistakes. W.F. Albright proposed a corrected scheme with the following dates: level IX (‘Tuthmosis III’), late 14th century B.C.E.; level VIII (‘pre-Amenophis’), 14th–13th century B.C.E.; level VII (‘Amenophis III’), 13th century B.C.E.; level VI (‘Sethos I’), 12th century B.C.E.; level V (‘Rameses II or III’), 12th–10th centuries B.C.E. In level IX, they found a sacred area with a shrine dedicated to Mekal, who is named as Lord of Beth-shean on a votive stele.

Level VIII, which includes the reign of Sethos I, had two stelae (stone slabs) that recorded military operations and mentioned the ‘Apiru’ or Habiru. Two temples of similar design were found in levels VII and VI, with the latter being better preserved. These temples were built of sun-dried bricks and had altars and storerooms. The temple in level VI had a life-size model of a hawk wearing the crown of Upper and Lower Egypt. In level V, there were two temples. The southern temple, built over the temple of Rameses III from level VI, had a different orientation and was about 50 feet long with a large hall and rooms on either side. The northern temple was a nearly rectangular building of about 47 feet by 27 feet. Levels IX-V were rich in finds such as scarabs, clay figurines of Astarte, cult objects of pottery, house-like shrines, gold and silver jewelry, faience and glass objects, and inscribed material. Special tombs with anthropoid sarcophagi (coffins shaped like human bodies) were found, associated with the Philistines, though hardly any typical Philistine pottery was found. The cult objects of pottery are believed to be connected with a cult of doves and snakes. Level IV, dating from about 815–700 B.C.E., was a poor town with insignificant buildings. Level III is attributed to the Hellenistic and Roman periods, while levels II and I represent the Byzantine and Arab periods. In the Hellenistic and Roman times, a colonnaded street and a Hellenistic temple dedicated to Dionysus, which was rebuilt in the Roman period, were found. A hippodrome (a stadium for horse racing) and a theater were also identified. In the Byzantine period, a circular cathedral and a monastery were built. In one of the private houses, mosaics dating to the 6th century C.E. were found, depicting the River Nile and other scenes. A 6th-century C.E. synagogue with a mosaic floor depicting the Torah Shrine and other ritual objects was also discovered.

Roman Theater

The theater of Scythopolis (another name for Beth-shean) lies about 250 yards south of Tell Husn. It was excavated by S. Appelbaum and A. Negev under the auspices of the Israel National Parks Authority and the Israel Department of Antiquities and Museums. The theater is among the larger of the medium group of Roman theaters, measuring 270 feet along the line of the stage front and 190 feet from the stage front to the outer edge of the seating area. Its seating capacity is estimated at around 8,000 people. The seating area, cut into the marl slope, is surrounded on the south by an outer masonry wall with entrances (vomitoria) that provided access to the upper seating area. The seating area was divided into upper and lower parts by a walkway (praecinctio), which gave access to the nine vomitoria. Behind the stage ran a subterranean vaulted tunnel (hyposcaenium). The stage front (scaenae frons) had two stories with Corinthian columns. The main entrance (porta regalis) was set in an apse and fronted by a propylon supported on two pairs of granite columns. The theater dates from the Severan period but had fallen into disuse by the late 3rd century C.E. It was rehabilitated in the 6th century, probably under Justin I (518–527 C.E.), and water was introduced, presumably for water-ballet performances. The theater’s stage front is of the ‘western’ type, with sculpture showing similarities to work at Gadara and Kedesh (Naphtali), though it also shows traces of the Nabatean tradition. Beth-shean’s rich history, strategic importance, and archaeological findings make it a significant site for understanding the ancient Near East and the biblical narrative. The city’s various phases of occupation and its role in biblical events highlight its importance in the historical and religious context of the region.

Renewed Excavations and Discoveries

In 1986, archaeologists started new excavations at Beth-shean to uncover more about the Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine periods. This was a joint effort by the Institute of Archaeology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and the Department of Antiquities. They worked on different parts of the city, including the Roman amphitheater, the theater, the public bath, and several other structures south of the theater. During these periods, the city expanded both south and north of the ancient mound, covering an area of about 400 acres. The Harod River ran through the city from east to west, dividing it into two parts.

Hellenistic Period Discoveries

In the Hellenistic period (around the 3rd to 1st century B.C.E.), remains of houses and numerous stamped wine jar handles from Rhodes and Cnidus were found on the slope of Tell Istaba. These discoveries help us understand the trade connections and daily life of the people living in Beth-shean during this time.

Roman Period Discoveries

From the Roman period, one of the main streets of the city was discovered. This street extended for about 100 yards from east to west and crossed the Harod River over a bridge. The street was 18 feet wide and paved with basalt flagstones. Traces of colonnaded streets were found north and east of the mound, with one crossing a second bridge. About 600 yards south of the theater, archaeologists found the western half of an amphitheater. This amphitheater was a rectangle, 180 feet wide, with rounded long sides. The rows of seats were made of white limestone from Mt. Gilboa, and above these were 7-10 rows of wooden seats. To protect spectators from wild beasts, the entire arena was surrounded by a 12-foot-high limestone wall built on a basalt substructure. The walls of the arena were covered with plaster decorated with frescoes. Between the theater and the mound, archaeologists discovered the intersection of two main streets, where a large, imposing structure—possibly a triumphal arch—stood. Two marble heads, of Athena and Aphrodite, were found here, suggesting the structure’s grandeur. At the foot of the tell (mound), a temple with a circular naos (inner chamber) was found, possibly dedicated to Dionysus. This temple was built on a podium and ascended by a flight of wide steps. The temple had enormous columns, 31 feet high. Inside the temple, they found the base of a statue with an inscription indicating it was erected by the city in honor of the emperor Marcus Aurelius (161–189 C.E.). Near the temple stood an elaborately decorated nymphaeon (a monument dedicated to nymphs), and next to it, a large basilica (a public building used for meetings and other activities).

Byzantine Period Discoveries

During the Byzantine period, the city expanded in all directions and was enclosed by a strong wall. By the first quarter of the 6th century C.E., the city had already been repaired under the supervision of Arsenius, a Samaritan and high-ranking official in the imperial administration. East and west of the mound, archaeologists discovered luxurious houses. One private building had about 25 rooms on the ground floor and additional rooms on the upper floor, containing extremely rich and varied small finds. Two other houses belonged to Jews, and other private buildings, also in use during the Arab period, were discovered between the theater and amphitheater, which was an open area in the Roman period. A huge public bath, covering an area of 1.2 acres, was built in the Byzantine period over the remains of a Roman bath. This bathhouse, located north of the theater, was built with basalt stones and is well-preserved. Many inscriptions, mostly commemorating private donors, were embedded in the mosaic pavings of the bathhouse halls. The semi-circular odeum (a small theater) in the northeastern corner of the bathhouse belongs to the earlier Roman period. Over it, dating to the Byzantine period, is a structure with a delicate multi-colored mosaic floor, in the center of which is a representation of the goddess Tyche. Two large public buildings of unknown function were connected in this period by a 16.5-foot-wide street lined with houses and shops.

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