Khirbet el-Maqatir

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).