Laish

Laish is the ancient biblical name of a city in the northern part of the land that would become Israel. In the Book of Judges, Laish is described as a prosperous, undefended city located in the land of the Sidonians, near the northern frontier of the Israelite territories. The Danites, a clan from the tribe of Dan, travel there to scout the land, attack its inhabitants, seize the spoils, and burn the city. They rename the settlement Dan, after their tribal ancestor, and establish themselves there, an episode cited as part of the Danite settlement in the northern hill country.

Most modern scholars identify Laish with the archaeological site of Tel Dan in northern Israel, at the headwaters of the Jordan River. Excavations at Tel Dan have revealed Iron Age remains, including substantial city walls and a large gate, consistent with a significant urban center. The identification is supported by the geographic and narrative details in Judges and by the association of the Danite settlement with the northern region of Israel.

Laish, as a historical toponym, is primarily of interest in biblical studies as the predecessor of the city named Dan. Tel Dan is a major archaeological site for the period traditionally linked to the Laish narrative, offering material evidence for urban life in the Iron Age II Levant. In contemporary usage, Laish is mainly encountered in biblical text and academic discussions rather than as a current geographic name.