Renewing Tel Ashkelon
Be part of the restoration of Israel’s magnificent Ashkelon National Park. Help enhance the site so that visitors can walk along four thousand years of human history and natural beauty on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea.
New Discoveries of Roman-era Ashkelon
The Park Authority, the Ashkelon Municipality, and the Leon Levy Foundation are leading the effort to open more of the park to visitors.
We are asking your help in building a network of accessible paths to connect points of major interest.
Modern signage with illustrations, will explain the park’s heritage from today’s new discoveries to distant prehistory. In addition, a new visitor center will offer an interactive experience illustrating the site’s rich history, its importance to its inhabitants, and its natural habitats.
Support Ancient Ashkelon to New Generations
In 2021 authorities announced the uncovering of a Roman era basilica, the largest ever found in Israel.
Restoration is being led by the Israel National Park Authority, the Israel Antiquities Authority and the Leon Levy Foundation. To prepare the basilica for visitors, the team is mounting the massive, sculpted marble columns that supported the roof, as well as statues found on site.
A nearby odeon or theater is also being restored, to include a stage and seating for the public to observe work on the basilica
Ancient City of Ashkelon
The earliest remains on the site are an earthen rampart surrounding a Bronze age settlement. A mud and brick gate was restored, through which visitors can pass. In a nearby temple, a bronze statue of a calf was found, familiar from Biblical accounts of Canaanite worship.
Ashkelon in Biblical Tradition
During the period of Judges and the United Monarchy, Ashkelon was Philistine. The city appears in David’s mourning the death of King Saul in battle. Later, according to the Jewish historian Josephus, Herod the Great built bathhouses, fountains, and colonnades in Ashkelon.
Biological Diversity - Between Sea and Desert
Ashkelon’s coastal geography means the park includes both desert and Mediterranean biology. In winter and spring, unique bulbs and tubers flower. Visitors may sight gazelles and foxes. Reptiles, some endangered through loss of habitat, are found here.
Dr. Rachel Bar-Natan at the Excavation of the basilica in the Tel Ashkelon National Park. Photo Yoli Schwartz Antiquities Authority
Archaeologist Saar Ganor holding an ancient nail that was uncovered during the excavation of the basilica in the Tel Ashkelon National Park. Photo by Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority
Statues at the site. Yaniv Cohen, Nature and Parks Authority
The Odeon at Tel Ashkelon National Park - Photo by Yaniv Cohen, Nature and Parks Authority
Marble pillars found in at the site. Photo by Yaniv Cohen, Nature and Parks Authority
Imaging of the Basilica after restoration works. Credit by the Israel Antiquities Authority and surnamal Turner Landscape Architecture
The basilica in Tel Ashkelon National Park, Aerial view. Photo by Emil Aladjem Israel Antiquities Authority.
Archaeologist Saar Ganor points at the eagle symbol - the symbol of the Roman Empire. Photo by Yoli Schwartz, Israel Antiquities Authority
The Odeon - Aerial View - Photo by Tomer Ofri, Nature and Parks Authority
Support Us!
Take part in protecting Israel’s historical gems by becoming a member of the INHFA.
IT'S TIME TO TAKE ACTION!
We invite you to join us by becoming members of INHFA! Your membership is more than a donation; we want you to become an active partner of our team and together, we will create a profound change at a national level on both environmental issues and the preservation of our heritage.
Any donation is appreciated, and you will become a member of the INHFA by making a donation of over $360.
Take an active part and leave your mark on the Israeli landscape!
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