Lachish

Lachish was a major Canaanite city, prominent from the Late Bronze Age through the Iron Age. Its ruins are located in the Shephelah region of Israel, about 30 kilometers southwest of Jerusalem. Archaeological excavations have revealed a well-fortified city with significant administrative and economic importance. The city played a crucial role in the history of the ancient Near East, often mentioned in Egyptian records and the Hebrew Bible.

During the Iron Age, Lachish was a key Judean stronghold. It is notably described as being conquered by the Assyrian king Sennacherib in 701 BCE, an event vividly depicted on the Assyrian reliefs at Nineveh. The Bible also recounts its capture by the Babylonians during the Babylonian conquest of Judah in the early 6th century BCE, leading to its destruction. The archaeological evidence at the site strongly supports these historical accounts, with layers of destruction and significant finds. The ruins include a large palace complex, fortifications, and a temple. The Lachish Letters, ostraca discovered at the site, provide valuable insights into the final days of the Kingdom of Judah.