Digs

Azekah: An Arena for Battle

Home to millennia of human history, Israel offers endless opportunities for archaeological discovery. Yet few sites rival the depth, richness, and untapped potential of Tel Azekah.

The biblical text identifies the valley below Azekah as the stage for one of the most iconic encounters in history — the battle between the young David and the giant Goliath (1 Samuel 17:1). Beyond its biblical fame, Azekah was a vital stronghold on the western frontier of the Kingdom of Judah. The site’s destruction by the Assyrian king Sennacherib, vividly described in his own inscriptions as “an eagle’s nest…with towers that project to the sky like swords,” marks it as a place of dramatic historical and geopolitical importance. Azekah is again mentioned in Jeremiah 34:7 as one of the last fortified cities of Judah, and in Nehemiah 11:30, as a resettled town during the Persian period that remained part of the province of Judah into the Hellenistic age.

After thirteen successful excavation seasons (2012–2025), the Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition is now preparing for its fourteenth season in 2026—and inviting students and volunteers to take part in uncovering the next chapter of this remarkable site. The expedition’s team continues to document, preserve, and publish their discoveries, revealing new insights into Azekah’s dynamic and complex past. To date, excavations have opened 12 areas across the mound, exposing impressive architectural remains and illuminating daily life across centuries.

Join us in continuing the story of Azekah — a site where legend, history, and discovery meet.

Details

Geographic Location

Shephelah, South-Central Israel

Dates of the Dig

July 19 – August 14, 2026

Minimum Stay

1 Week

Application Due

Monday, June 1, 2026

Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/Institution

No

Accommodations

Participants of the 2026 Lautenschläger Azekah Expedition will stay at Netiv Ha-Lamed-He, a peaceful oasis nestled in the heart of the picturesque Shephelah region. Accommodation includes comfortable rooms with ensuite bathrooms, storage space, and air conditioning. A cozy communal kitchen is also available — perfect for a morning coffee or an afternoon snack. The stay includes three delicious meals a day, with breakfast served right in the field by a local family — fresh, hearty, and full of authentic regional flavors.

Cost

Directors

Contact

Ms. Daria Leibin

[email protected]

To learn how you can get involved, visit their website and check them out on Facebook and Instagram.

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Hear from volunteers and students excavating Tel Azekah

Digging In: Tel Azekah