Bet Shean

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Jordan River in the Bet Shean valley. Nearby, the city of Bet Shean is situated at the main crossroads giving access to all four directions in Eretz-Israel. It is a well-watered fertile and desirable region, 390 feet below sea level. In Biblical times, Bet Shean was a Canaanite stronghold and the tribes of Menasseh and Asher could not drive out the inhabitants (Josh. 17:11) for they were "well armed with chariots and armor" (Joshua 17:16).

The town of Bet Shean is mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts from the time of Thutmose III (15 BCE) to that of Ramses III (12 BCE). Excavations have proved the importance of this town as a station for caravans and a seat of ancient Egyptian rule. The successful expeditions of Seti I (1308 - 1290) into Canaan are recorded on several steles, including that of Bet Shean (pictured here). The reliefs are a highly detailed source of information on the military route taken by the Egyptians along the northern Sinai Peninsula as well as providing enlightening details on the region, specifically regarding politico-military confrontations.

Aerial view of the tell of Bet Shean. Photo Richard Cleave, Jerusalem.

The most impressive discoveries of Bet Shean date from the Roman-Byzantine periods. These include the Roman theater pictured here which stretches more than ninety meters and has a seating capacity estimated at 5,000. South of the theater a strong wall encircles the building broken by passages at fixed distances.