The Tel Nagila Publication Project

Tel Nagila is a multi-period site situated on the western bank of Nahal Shiqma in the southern coastal plain. The most intensive occupation occurred during the Middle Bronze Age IIB-C period, when a fortified city occupied the site. A section excavated on the northeast side of the tell revealed an elaborate rampart system made up of an earthen embankment with a mudbrick wall perched atop it. Various layers of earth and crushed chalk were laid against the wall to form a glacis. The mudbrick wall was found to continue above this glacis and a mudbrick tower was integrated into it. Four to five strata dating to the MBIIB-C were unearthed at the center of the mound, including a residential quarter and parts of two public buildings. The plan of the settlement reveals systematic planning of the residential quarter along a series of parallel streets, with other streets intersecting at right angles. The finds include pottery (including tens of complete vessels), a number of scarabs, ostrich eggshells used as vessels, metal objects and a unique ceramic zoomorphic vessel. Of particular interest is a sherd with a fragmentary, two-line Proto-Canaanite inscription. Two rock-cut tombs were found south of the tell, near the riverbank. The first is a small tomb dating to the Early Bronze Age II or III. The second dates to the MBIIB-C and is made up of three chambers containing the remains of 50 individuals, 150 pottery vessels, Egyptian alabaster and faience vessels, 48 scarabs and bronze objects.