TEL HAZOR NATIONAL PARK

The archaeological site covers 80 hectares and is divided into two parts: the upper town (12 ha) and the lower town (68 ha). Many hypotheses are still being studied to determine exactly its history. Hazor (which means fortified) was strategically located at the crossroads of the ancient trade routes linking Egypt, Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Sea. The object of the lusts of many kings and pharaohs, it was occupied in turn by the Canaanites - with an estimated population of 20,000 inhabitants, making it the largest city in the land of Canaan - and by the Israelites, who destroyed it twice.

According to the Bible, Hazor is one of the three cities destroyed by Joshua during the Jewish conquest (13th BC - supposed), the other two being Jericho and Ai. According to the Bible, Hazor is one of the cities, along with Gezer and Megiddo, which were later developed by Solomon (10th century BC - supposed). These biblical testimonies are questioned by some archaeologists.

The city disappeared in the 8th century BC, certainly destroyed by an earthquake. There is little evidence of occupation afterwards.

The remains of Hazor, which are among the most important in Israel, were added to UNESCO's World Heritage List in 2005.

Most of the objects found during the excavations are on display in a small museum (Hazor Antiquities Museum) at the entrance to Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar, opposite the park. This one is closed from November 2018 until further notice.