Near Lachish in Lakhish Regional Council, Southern District, Israel — West Asia (the Levant in the Middle East)
Welcome to the City Gate
The entrance to the fortified city from the time of the kings of Judah was via an impressive gateway enclosure consisting of an outer and an inner gatehouse, between which was an open paved plaza.
The gateway was the beating heart of the city - the scene of commerce, judgement, punishment and cult activities. It was in gateways that prophets spoke, the king sat and the elders and judges assembled to hear the latest news in the city and the kingdom.
The gate had a prime military function. Guards were regularly posted in the two towers of the outer gatehouse to protect the city and its inhabitants.
The city gates’ doors would be locked in the evening.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1000 BCE.
Location. 31° 33.878′ N, 34° 50.854′ E. Marker is near Lachish, Southern District, in Lakhish Regional Council. Marker can be reached from Southern District Route 3415, 2.3 kilometers south of Southern District Route 35, on the right when traveling south. Unfortunately, Google maps does not provide any names for two of the key roads that one will need to use to get to this marker. So from the intersection of Route 35 and Route 3415, go south on Route 3415 for 2.3 kilometers and turn right on an un-named road. Proceed south on the un-named road for 750 meters and the first road that you come to on your left, turn left onto another un-named road. Travel 400 meters over this second un-named road and you will arrive at the parking lot for the Israeli National Park that features the ruins of ancient Lachish, where this marker is located, at the top of the Judean ramp, and in the city gate complex. Touch for map. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 18 kilometers of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Confronting Enemy Threats - the City’s Fortifications (here, next to this marker); Testimony to Approaching Disaster - the Lachish Letters (a few steps from this marker); Might and Authority - the Royal Palace (within shouting distance of this marker); Artist's Rendering of the City Gate (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Tel Lachish National Park (about 120 meters away); Assault by Sennacherib's Army (about 120 meters away); Tel Azekah (approx. 17.2 kilometers away in Jerusalem District).
More about this marker. Regarding the marker itself, there is a vertical timeline on the left side of the marker that runs from 1029 BCE to 586 BCE. The timeline identifies the years 1029 to 928 BCE as being the era of the Kingdoms of Saul, David and Solomon. Then, the years 928 to 720 BCE as being the era of the Kingdoms of Israel and Judah. And then, the years 720 to 586 as being the era of the Kingdom of Judah, with the notation that the destruction of the First Temple takes place in 586 BCE. This timeline also includes a short highlighted parallel timeline that identifies the years 727 to 698 BCE as being the time of the Kingdom of Hezekiah, with the notation that the year 701 BCE was the year of Sennacherib's conquest of Lachish.
Regarding the marker location, in 2019, because I traveled to Israel as part of a tour group, taking pictures of historical markers and recording location information for each marker that I photographed was a difficult assignment. Then too, having two bad knees and walking with a cane made keeping up with my tour group, much less recording location information as well, even more difficult. So I am using my Google Map skills, from at home, to provide the needed location information and map coordinates. Anyone that visits these markers is welcomed, and encouraged, to improve on the provided information.
Also see . . .
1. Tel Lachish - BibleWalks.com. This is a link to additional information regarding this marker. (Submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
2. Lachish (BiblePlaces.com). This is a link to additional information regarding this marker. (Submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
3. Tel Lachish - Wikipedia. This is a link to additional information regarding this marker. (Submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
4. Why Lachish Matters · The BAS Library. This is a link to additional information regarding this marker. (Submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.)
5. Ancient City Gate and Shrine from Hebrew Bible Uncovered. Live Science website entry (Submitted on May 3, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 98 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 4. submitted on April 24, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 5. submitted on April 23, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.