Toviyahu

Toviyahu is believed to be an ancient city in the region of Judah, located in what is now the West Bank. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains that date back to around 700 BCE. The site is considered significant for its potential connection to the biblical city of Tekoa, the hometown of the prophet Amos.

Excavations at Toviyahu have revealed a complex of archaeological structures, including a fortified gate, a defensive wall, and several dwellings. The city appears to have been inhabited during the Edomite period, and its layout is consistent with other Iron Age II cities in the region. Archaeologists have found ceramics, jewelry, and other artifacts that date to the same period.

Some researchers have suggested that Toviyahu may be the site known from the Hebrew Bible as Tekoa, where the prophet Amos preached in the 8th century BCE. However, this interpretation is not universally accepted and requires further study to confirm.

The excavation of Toviyahu has provided valuable insights into the social, economic, and political structures of the cities of Edom and Judah during the Iron Age. Further research is necessary to uncover additional information about this settlement and its significance in the biblical context.

Archaeological reports and studies suggest that Toviyahu continued to be inhabited until the Hellenistic period, with some evidence of occupation dating to the Roman era. Despite being a lesser-known archaeological site, the investigation of Toviyahu is essential to understanding the urban complexity of Iron Age cities in the region.