Khirbet el-Maqatir
Khirbet el-Maqatir
A Leading Candidate for Biblical Ai and Ephraim
Khirbet el-Maqatir (upper left in the photo) is located in the hill country of Benjamin, about 10 miles (16 kilometers) north of Jerusalem. The site contains remains from several historical periods, including the Bronze Age, Iron Age, Hellenistic, Roman, and Byzantine eras.
ABR excavated at Khirbet el-Maqatir from 1995 to 2001 and 2009 to 2016. Our excavations unearthed evidence of a fortress that was destroyed in the Late Bronze Age, and a significant fortified town from the time of Jesus. As a result, ABR believes Khirbet el-Maqatir is an excellent candidate for the biblical city of Ai that Joshua conquered. It may also be the site of the town of Ephraim from Jesus day (John 11:54).
Apr 7, 2021
Maqatir Field Reports
Feb 15, 2019
Maqatir Monastery Money
Sep 9, 2017
Skeletal Remains Found at Khirbet el-Maqatir Recently Reburied
Jan 21, 2016
My Israel Diary, Winter 2016
Mar 28, 2013
Testing the Factuality of the Conquest of Ai Narrative in the Book of Joshua: Part Four
Mar 13, 2013
Testing the Factuality of the Conquest of Ai Narrative in the Book of Joshua: Part Three
Mar 5, 2013
Testing the Factuality of the Conquest of Ai Narrative in the Book of Joshua: Part Two
Feb 27, 2013
Testing the Factuality of the Conquest of Ai Narrative in the Book of Joshua: Part One
Apr 28, 2009
The Search for Joshua’s Ai
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