Tel Dan Isreal
Dan is an ancient city mentioned in the Old Testament. It is described and located as the northernmost city of the kingdom of Israel.
Dan is the largest of four sources of the Jordan River. A spring creates a pool area that later turns into rushing stream.
Middle Bronze Gate 1800 BC, a mudbrick gate was in use for at short time and then complete covered (and thus preserved intact) by a dirt rampart. Very recent excavations have cleared the center of the gate. The style of the gate is a “Syrian gate” with three pairs of piers and four chambers, like similar ones found at Megiddo, Shechem, and Gezer. It’s popular name is Abraham's Gate, due to a possible reference in Genesis 14:14 where Abraham travelled to Dan to rescue his nephew Lot.
The Northern area of Dan was also fortified and another Gate has been found there. Built in 9th century BC, by King Ahab. There is a visible depression in the ground where it is believed a post of the large door or gate was placed.
Podium for Ruler, may have been a place for the ruler or judge next to the gate or a place for an idol to be set up. (2 Samuel 18:4 & 2 Kings 23:8) There are also possible slots or holes for a suggested canopy over the podium.
Nearly all archaeologists agree that the excavated altar type area in Dan was the one that Jeroboam constructed to house the golden calf. It is suggested the area was also roofed. Evidence of a four-horned altar have been found as well as religious objects like iron shovels, a small horned altar, and an iron incense holder.
Tel Dan Stele. A Stele is a standing post with an inscription, often about a victory in war. The Tel Dan stele contains a Canaanite inscription which dates to 9th century BC. It is especially important for possibly being the only extra-biblical archeological reference to the “house of David.” The Stele is in the Israel Museum and no reproduction was on site.
