Open this page in a new tab

Kedesh

Aerial Photo of the remains of the Roman Temple at Kedesh (view from the East) Aerial Photo of the remains of the Roman Temple at Kedesh (view from the East)

Click on Image for high resolution magnifiable image

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com


Names

Transliterated Name Source Name
Kedesh Hebrew קדש
Khirbet Qadish Arabic كهيربيت قاديسه
Kades Arabic قاديس
Qades Arabic قاديس
Cadesh
Cydessa
Cadasa
Kydissos Ancient Greek Κυδισσός
Introduction
Tel Kedesh

Identification

Tel Kedesh is situated about 10km (6mi.) northwest of Hazor (map reference 199.279). It is the largest mound in the Upper Galilee, occupying an area of 22 to 25 a. It dominates a fertile valley and stands about 400 m above sea level. At its foot is an abundant spring. This site has been identified with the biblical Kedesh, a Canaanite town that became one of the fortified cities of Naphtali (Jos. 12:22, 19:37). It is also mentioned in the lists of the cities of refuge and of the Levites (Jos. 20:7, 21:32; 1 Chr. 6:61). Tiglath-pileser III conquered the city in 733-732 BCE (2 Kg. 15:29). The usual identification of this site with Kedesh-Naphtali, the native town of Barak son of Abinoam (Jg. 4:6), is to be rejected. (Kedesh-Naphtali should probably be identified with Khirbet Qadish, east of the Jabneel Valley in Lower Galilee.)

Excavations

In 1953, Y. Aharoni, on behalf of the Israel Department of Antiquities and the Israel Exploration Society, conducted trial excavations on the north western slope of the mound, where the modern road cuts into the foot of the hill. A section of an early brick wall was cleared there. A trench (17m long and 1.25 m wide) was excavated on the steep, terraced slope. The layers (c. 11 m deep) revealed the following stratigraphy:
Period Approximate Thickness
of the Layer (m)
Arab 3.00
Hellenistic 0.75
Iron I-II and LB 0.75
MB 1.25
EB 5.25
Although it is not certain that the measurements obtained in the trench correspond to the rest of the mound, most of the layers are probably represented in their correct proportion. The occupation layers from the Early Bronze Age I-III were especially numerous and thick. Considerable red-slip burnished ware and many vessels with combed decoration were found, with a few sherds with band slip and pottery of the Khirbet Kerak type. The brick wall, which is more than 5 m thick, should probably be assigned to the Early Bronze Age II. From the Middle Bronze Age I there were, among other finds, fragments of "teapots," which have also been found at Hazor. On the whole, the Middle Bronze Age is well represented. In contrast to this, little was found from the Late Bronze and Iron ages, although isolated potsherds are evidence of a continuity in occupation. It may be, however, that pottery remains from these periods are scarce because occupation was confined mainly to the eastern part of the mound, which has not been excavated.

Roman Temple at Kedesh

Identification

Kedesh is mentioned in one of the Zenon papyri (P Zen. 59004) and in the narrative of the battle between Jonathan the Hasmonean and the forces of Demetrius in 145-143 (I Mace. 11:63, 73). Josephus relates that Titus encamped here when he set out to fight John of Gischala (War IV, 104), in 66 CE. He further relates that after the massacre of the Jews at Caesarea, they took revenge by attacking many non-Jewish settlements, including Καδαθα (Των) Τυριων - "Kedesh (of the) Tyrians," (War II, 459). According to Josephus, Kedesh, on the border of Galilee and the territory of Tyre, was one of Tyre's strongholds in the area and was always engaged in bitter strife with the "Galileans" (Antiq. XIII, 154; War IV, 104). The settlement is also mentioned in later historical sources. According to Eusebius, Kedesh was twenty Roman miles from Tyre ( Onom. 116, 1 0); the tenth-century Arab geographer and historian Muqaddasi mentions the city several times. The epigraphic evidence and the archaeological remains found at the site (see below) indicate that the city flourished in the second and third centuries CE.

Exploration

On the low hill to the east of the mound, impressive remains of a monumental temple are preserved; to the west of the temple are remains of mausolea and decorated sarcophagi. Rock-cut tombs are visible on the hill's northern and northwestern slopes. In the nineteenth century, the site was surveyed by E. Renan, V. Guerin, and C. Wilson, and in particular by C. R. Conder and H. H. Kitchener for the British Survey of Western Palestine. The site was mentioned infrequently in the literature until 1976-1977, when A. Ovadiah, M. Fischer, and I. Roll surveyed it extensively. In 1981, 1983, and 1984 three seasons of excavations were conducted here on behalf of the Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Classical Studies at Tel Aviv University.

Excavations between 1997 and 2000

From 1997 to 2000, two exploratory and two full seasons of excavation were conducted at Tel Kedesh by an archaeological expedition under the direction of S. Herbert of the University of Michigan and A. Berlin of the University of Minnesota. Aside from a step trench in the southern end of the northern mound, the excavations were confined to the southern lower mound. In the first exploratory season of excavations, two small trenches, dug just below surface level, uncovered substantial Hellenistic remains of a house dating to the middle of the second century BCE and a portion of a large enclosing wall on the edge of the lower mound. In the second exploratory season, of one week’s duration, a magnetometric survey was conducted that revealed the outlines of several large building complexes as well as a fairly regular north–south village grid plan. One particularly impressive structure appeared in the southeastern quadrant of the mound, adjacent to the house uncovered in the 1997 probe. This building, referred to as the Hellenistic Administrative Building on the basis of its date and function, was systematically explored during the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

Maps, Aerial Views and Plans
Maps, Aerial Views and Plans

Maps

Normal Size

  • Fig. 1 Location Map
    Figure 1

    Topographic model of Northern Canaan showing the location of Qedesh and other EBA sites mentioned in the text. Geological exposures of the Hatira Formation are marked by red polygons.

    Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
    from Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
  • Location Map from
    Biblical Map: Area around Kedesh – Canaanite through roman periods

    (based on Bible Mapper 3.0)

    Used with permission from from biblewalks.com
    biblewalks.com

Magnified

  • Fig. 1 Location Map
    Figure 1

    Topographic model of Northern Canaan showing the location of Qedesh and other EBA sites mentioned in the text. Geological exposures of the Hatira Formation are marked by red polygons.

    Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
    from Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
  • Location Map from
    Biblical Map: Area around Kedesh – Canaanite through roman periods

    (based on Bible Mapper 3.0)

    Used with permission from from biblewalks.com
    biblewalks.com

Aerial Views

Normal Size

  • Fig. 2 Wide Aerial View of
    Figure 2

    . Isometric Google Earth view of Qedesh, Hula Valley, and northeastern Galilee, looking northwest

    Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
    Kedesh and surroundings from Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
  • Fig. 2 Aerial View of the
    Figure 3

    The site of Qedesh and its various components, shown in a 1945 aerial photo with the village of Qadas on the upper mound, looking northwest. The cross-section (lower left) runs through the straight line marked on the photo.

    Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
    Mounds of Kedesh from Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
  • Fig. 1 Aerial View of the
    Figure 1

    The boundaries of the site based on the survey results, and the excavation areas superimposed on a British aerial photograph from 1945 (RAF PS 30 Jan 1945, F12, 5097)

    Davidovich and Wachtel (2022)
    Mounds of Kedesh from Davidovich and Wachtel (2022)
  • Annotated Satellite View
    Annotated Staellite View of the Area

    Used with permission from from biblewalks.com
    of the area from biblewalks.com
  • Kedesh in Google Earth
    Kedesh

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in Google Earth
  • Kedesh on govmap.gov.il
    Kedesh

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in govmap.gov.il
  • Roman Temple at Kedesh in Google Earth
    Roman Temple at Kedesh

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in Google Earth
  • Roman Temple at Kedesh on govmap.gov.il
    Roman Temple at Kedesh

    click on image to explore this site on a new tab in govmap.gov.il

Magnified

  • Fig. 2 Wide Aerial View of
    Figure 2

    . Isometric Google Earth view of Qedesh, Hula Valley, and northeastern Galilee, looking northwest

    Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
    Kedesh and surroundings from Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
  • Fig. 2 Aerial View of the
    Figure 3

    The site of Qedesh and its various components, shown in a 1945 aerial photo with the village of Qadas on the upper mound, looking northwest. The cross-section (lower left) runs through the straight line marked on the photo.

    Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
    Mounds of Kedesh from Wachtel & Davidovich (2021)
  • Fig. 1 Aerial View of the
    Figure 1

    The boundaries of the site based on the survey results, and the excavation areas superimposed on a British aerial photograph from 1945 (RAF PS 30 Jan 1945, F12, 5097)

    Davidovich and Wachtel (2022)
    Mounds of Kedesh from Davidovich and Wachtel (2022)
  • Annotated Staellite View
    Annotated Staellite View of the Area

    Used with permission from from biblewalks.com
    of the area from biblewalks.com

Plans

Normal Size

Magnified

Chronology
Stratigraphy

Tel Kedesh

Aharoni's Trench

Period Approximate Thickness
of the Layer (m)
Arab 3.00
Hellenistic 0.75
Iron I-II and LB 0.75
MB 1.25
EB 5.25

Areas B-1 and C-1

Introduction and Summary

The current excavations were conducted as part of a research program aimed at studying the settlement complexity and interrelationships between lowland and highland regions in northern Canaan in the Early Bronze Age. Two areas (B1 and C1) were excavated on the slope of Qedesh West. Area B1 (map ref. 249475–95/779455–65; 12.5 × 17.5 m) was opened in the central part of the slope, c. 200 m to the west of the tell; it contained architectural remains from the Early Bronze Age, mainly from the period’s second phase, together with a few remains from other periods. Area C1 (map ref. 249440–60/779235–45; 10 × 20 m) was opened on the slope’s upper, southwestern segment, c. 400 m from the tell; at least two fortification phases from the Early Bronze Age were exposed.

Excavations season 2018 and 2019 at Tel Qedesh showed clearly that the Early Bronze Age settlement extended far beyond the ancient tell, and that it covered large swathes of the Qedesh West slope. A residential quarter is beginning to be revealed in the central part of the slope, and the tops of walls protruding above the surface in other parts of Qedesh West suggest that more residential quarters lie beneath the surface. A complex fortification system with at least two phases was uncovered in the southwestern part of the top of the slope. Conclusive dating of the fortification system’s various phases will only be possible after the fortification components and the correlation between them are thoroughly understood; however, it can already be suggested that the later fortification stages are broadly concurrent with the main construction phase in Area B1 and that they both date from the EB II. The nature of the site at Qedesh West during the EB I has not been clarified in either of the two excavation areas; nevertheless, the prevalence of EB I pottery indicates that there was already a significant settlement expansion during this phase, thus corroborating t he results from the survey. The fortifications in Area C1—c. 400 m in a direct line from the fringes of the tell—and the remains in Area B1 leave no doubt as to the impressive extent of the Early Bronze Age settlement at the site.

Area B-1

 
Area B1 (Figs. 2, 3)

The initial excavation was conducted in this area in order to confirm the results of the survey and examine whether the area contained settlement remains belonging to the EB. The excavation uncovered parts of residential buildings, thus confirming the survey results. Walls of buildings began to be discovered from the outset of the excavation; by the end of the 2019 season, the excavation of two rooms from the EB II was completed, along with the remains of walls of other buildings that were just beginning to be revealed. Although the excavation in the area was relatively shallow (depth c. 1 m), five stratigraphic phases were discerned from different periods (V–I; the number of phases is preliminary and may change in the future).
 
Phase V. In a limited part in the south of the area, beneath the walls of the buildings from Phase IV, a wall segment (F19B1012) abutted by a tamped earthen surface (L19B1021; Fig. 4) was exposed. The surface was overlain by a layer of grayish soil that was also found elsewhere beneath Phase IV walls and contained EB I pottery.
 
Phase IV (Fig. 5) is the main stratigraphic phase in the area. Remains of a building with two rooms were exposed along with other walls of buildings that are just beginning to be revealed. The building’s walls were founded partly on bedrock and partly on the grayish layer from Phase V. The jagged bedrock surface was uncovered in several places, and elevated rock outcrops were incorporated in the construction. A partially preserved wall dividing the two rooms was founded mostly on elevated bedrock. Next to the wall were several natural niches in the rock, whose outer perimeter was hammered into shape; vessels may have been placed on top of them. The eastern room was trapezoidal in plan (4 × 5 m) and only partly preserved. The room’s floor and its southern and eastern walls were cut into by later graves (Phase II, below). The western room was rectangular (c. 5 × 7 m) and well-preserved. Remnants of white plaster were preserved on its floor and walls. An elliptical installation made of fieldstones, possibly a work surface, was discovered in the center of the room. Additional walls that probably belong to other buildings were discovered to the north, south and west of the building. All the walls in the area were built along a similar alignment, suggesting preliminary planning.
The ceramic finds include an abundance of South Levantine Metallic Ware, which is typical of the EB II. Flint assemblages that include Canaanite blades were also found in this phase, as well as fragments of basalt ground-stone tools, part of a horned animal figurine and part of a Metallic Ware jar bearing a seal impression.
 
Phase III. Sparse architectural remains found near the surface in the western part of the excavation area were accompanied by dense concentrations of stones that partially covered the building remains from Phase IV. One wall (F19B1013) that was firmly attributed to this phase was built on top of Phase IV walls (F18B1013, F19B1006; Fig. 6). Although no clear floors from Phase III have yet been identified, Intermediate Bronze Age pottery, including fragments of Megiddo Ware (Black Wheel-Made Ware), that was found in the upper excavation levels in the western half of the area should probably be attributed to this phase.
 
Phase II. Six graves were identified in the eastern part of the area (Fig. 7); they were not excavated. The tombs penetrated into the Phase IV architectural remains and accumulations. Flat cover slabs surrounded by small stones were identified on the surface. In the northern part of the area, non-articulated human bones were discovered in a natural niche in the bedrock. The bones were placed near the lower part of a large pottery vessel and a few bronze artifacts. It became apparent that this was another grave, that its cover slabs had been removed in antiquity. Beside it was yet another grave, probably of a girl, that contained more bronze items. Preliminary dating for the graves places them in the first millennium BCE.
 
Phase I. The latest phase in Area B1 includes a long wall carelessly built on a general north–south alignment; it created a low step on the surface prior to the excavation. The wall is attributed to farming activity on the slope associated with the settlements on Tel Qedesh in the later periods of its history.
 

Area C-1

Area C1 (Figs. 8, 9)

The area (10 × 20 m) was opened perpendicular to a prominent terrace-like feature that was identified in the survey and in aerial photographs prior to the current excavation. Wall remains and stone collapses are visible in some sections along this terrace. The excavation in this area set out to test the hypothesis that the terrace was created by an ancient fortification that surrounded the Early Bronze Age city in this area. And indeed, the remains of impressive fortifications—wide stone walls, a tower and a glacis, probably from at least two phases—were uncovered.

In the eastern part of the area, a wide fieldstone wall (F17C1001; width 1.7 m) built on a southeast–northwest alignment was unearthed. A broad stone foundation (F19C1005) uncovered to the east of the wall contained large flat stones that were densely packed on an elevated bedrock outcrop. To the west of the wall was a soil accumulation (L17C1012) rich in brick fragments and potsherds, the latest of which date from the EB I. The southern half of this locus was excavated down to virgin soil.

West and above these remains, a massive tower was unearthed (F17C1007; width 8 m), aligned in the same orientation as Wall F17C1001. The foundation trench of the northwestern wall of the tower cut into a glacis (F18C1001) made of layers of earth and stones placed on a stone foundation sloping from northeast to southwest. The layers of soil in the glacis contained brick fragments and abundant finds, mostly from the EB I with a few from the EB II. At the top of the stone foundation of the glacis, next to the tower wall, several long stone slabs were placed side by side (F17C1006) that probably postdate the glacis; their function is currently unknown. Another wall (F18C1002) was uncovered to the north of the tower, but its relation to the tower is unclear; it may be an element added at some point next to the tower, but this possibility awaits further clarification in the coming excavation seasons.
 

Earthquake(s) after the 3rd century CE

Fischer et al (1984) examined a Temple at Kadesh which, based on inscriptions and architectural decorations, was presumed to have been in use in the second and third centuries CE. Noting that there were indications that the Temple appeared to have been destroyed by an earthquake, they speculated that the Temple was damaged by the northern Cyril Quake.

Some of the masonry courses of the east facade are clearly shifted out of line (PI. 27: I), and a similar disturbance is evident in the keystones above the two side entrances. This could have been caused by an earthquake some time in the past. One likelihood is the devastating earthquake of May 19, 363 C.E. that affected the entire region, from northern Galilee to Petra and from the Mediterranean coast to the Jordan Valley (Russel 1980; Hammond 1980).

... Although it is still difficult to determine when the temple was abandoned, there are indications that it was destroyed by an earthquake, possibly the one that struck the region on May 19, 363 C.E
Schweppe et al (2017) reiterated that Fischer et al. [1984] suggest that the temple was destroyed by an earthquake on May 19, 363 C.E.. They further stated that unearthed ceramics and coins show that the temple was abandoned after the earthquake. This last quote does not refer to any part of Fischer at al (1984) and its source or whether it is a paraphrase is unknown.

While the northern Cyril Quake of 363 CE could have damaged the Temple, other seismic events - in particular the mid 8th century CE Sabbatical Year Quakes - could have also damaged the Temple or caused additional damage.

Seismic Effects
Earthquake(s) after the 3rd century CE

Effect Location Image(s) Description
Displaced Masonry Blocks and Rotated Blocks Roman Temple in Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
Fig. 3 a-d
Figure 3

  1. View from west towards the remains of the Roman Temple of Kedesh. The northern and southern sections have heights of 7.26 m and 3.59 m, respectively. The door-jamb at the southern section is 4.4 m high.
  2. View from the south to the northern section showing the gap between the two shells.
  3. Photo showing the current state of the southern section of the ruin (Photos: Schweppe).
  4. Photo by Kitchener from ‘The Survey of Western Palestine’ [Conder and Kitchener 1882]. The red highlighted ashlars are missing today.


Schweppe et al (2017)
South Side Doorway

west view from the inner side of the temple. The south doorway is on the right side, while the doorpost of the main entrance is seen on the left side. Note that the other opening between the doorways was caused by fallen stones.

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
South Side Doorway

seen from the eastern exterior side

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
South Side Doorway

closeup on the decorated lintel above the southern doorway

JW: note the rotated block above the lintel

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
  • Some of the masonry courses of the east facade are clearly shifted out of line (PI. 27: I), and a similar disturbance is evident in the keystones above the two side entrances [JW: presumably from an older photo]. This could have been caused by an earthquake some time in the past. One likelihood is the devastating earthquake of May 19, 363 C.E. that affected the entire region, from northern Galilee to Petra and from the Mediterranean coast to the Jordan Valley (Russel 1980; Hammond 1980).

    ... Although it is still difficult to determine when the temple was abandoned, there are indications that it was destroyed by an earthquake, possibly the one that struck the region on May 19, 363 C.E     - Schweppe et al (2017)

  • The wall in Figure 3a [above] shows horizontal shifts and gaps between the ashlars which indicate that, at least in part, dynamic shaking has ruined the Kedesh Temple. In particular, we interpret the gaps between the ashlars in the northern section and its bend as the consequence of earthquake ground motions. - Schweppe et al (2017)
Folded Walls Roman Temple at Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
Fig. 3b
Figure 3

  1. View from west towards the remains of the Roman Temple of Kedesh. The northern and southern sections have heights of 7.26 m and 3.59 m, respectively. The door-jamb at the southern section is 4.4 m high.
  2. View from the south to the northern section showing the gap between the two shells.
  3. Photo showing the current state of the southern section of the ruin (Photos: Schweppe).
  4. Photo by Kitchener from ‘The Survey of Western Palestine’ [Conder and Kitchener 1882]. The red highlighted ashlars are missing today.


Schweppe et al (2017)
JW: Wall shown in Fig. 3b shows a "gap between two shells" and is folded
Fallen and oriented columns Roman Temple at Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
Aerial Photo of the remains of the Roman Temple at Kedesh (view from the East)

Click on Image for high resolution magnifiable image

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
JW: three columns fell in the same direction on the eastern front of the temple
Arch Damage - Keystones keystones above the two side entrances at the Roman Temple in Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
  • Some of the masonry courses of the east facade are clearly shifted out of line (PI. 27: I), and a similar disturbance is evident in the keystones above the two side entrances [JW: presumably from an older photo]. - Schweppe et al (2017)
Arch Damage - Dropped Keystone Masonry Tomb at Kades
Plan of 'a Masonry Tomb' in Kedesh

Conder and Kitchner (1882:228)
Masonry Tomb at Kades [aka Kedesh] - levels re-balanced by Williams

Conder and Kitchner (1882:228-229)
Conder and Kitchner (1882:228-229) took a photo described as Masonry Tomb at Kades [aka Kedesh] which shows a dropped keystone in a N-S trending arch

Deformation Maps
Earthquake(s) after the 3rd century CE

Roman Temple

Deformation Map

Modified by JW from Plan of the Roman Temple at Kedesh from Stern et al (1993 v. 3)

Masonry Tomb

Deformation Map

Modified by JW from Plan of a Masonry Tomb at Kades from Conder and Kitchner (1882:228)

Intensity Estimates
Earthquake(s) after the 3rd century CE

Intensity Estimates from the Earthquake Archaeological Effecst (EAE) Chart

Effect Location Image(s) Description Intensity
Displaced Masonry Blocks and Rotated Blocks Roman Temple in Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
Fig. 3 a-d
Figure 3

  1. View from west towards the remains of the Roman Temple of Kedesh. The northern and southern sections have heights of 7.26 m and 3.59 m, respectively. The door-jamb at the southern section is 4.4 m high.
  2. View from the south to the northern section showing the gap between the two shells.
  3. Photo showing the current state of the southern section of the ruin (Photos: Schweppe).
  4. Photo by Kitchener from ‘The Survey of Western Palestine’ [Conder and Kitchener 1882]. The red highlighted ashlars are missing today.


Schweppe et al (2017)
South Side Doorway

west view from the inner side of the temple. The south doorway is on the right side, while the doorpost of the main entrance is seen on the left side. Note that the other opening between the doorways was caused by fallen stones.

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
South Side Doorway

seen from the eastern exterior side

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
South Side Doorway

closeup on the decorated lintel above the southern doorway

JW: note the rotated block above the lintel

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
  • Some of the masonry courses of the east facade are clearly shifted out of line (PI. 27: I), and a similar disturbance is evident in the keystones above the two side entrances [JW: presumably from an older photo]. This could have been caused by an earthquake some time in the past. One likelihood is the devastating earthquake of May 19, 363 C.E. that affected the entire region, from northern Galilee to Petra and from the Mediterranean coast to the Jordan Valley (Russel 1980; Hammond 1980).

    ... Although it is still difficult to determine when the temple was abandoned, there are indications that it was destroyed by an earthquake, possibly the one that struck the region on May 19, 363 C.E     - Schweppe et al (2017)

  • The wall in Figure 3a [above] shows horizontal shifts and gaps between the ashlars which indicate that, at least in part, dynamic shaking has ruined the Kedesh Temple. In particular, we interpret the gaps between the ashlars in the northern section and its bend as the consequence of earthquake ground motions. - Schweppe et al (2017)
 VIII+
Folded Walls Roman Temple at Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
Fig. 3b
Figure 3

  1. View from west towards the remains of the Roman Temple of Kedesh. The northern and southern sections have heights of 7.26 m and 3.59 m, respectively. The door-jamb at the southern section is 4.4 m high.
  2. View from the south to the northern section showing the gap between the two shells.
  3. Photo showing the current state of the southern section of the ruin (Photos: Schweppe).
  4. Photo by Kitchener from ‘The Survey of Western Palestine’ [Conder and Kitchener 1882]. The red highlighted ashlars are missing today.


Schweppe et al (2017)
JW: Wall shown in Fig. 3b shows a "gap between two shells" and is folded VII+
Fallen and oriented columns Roman Temple at Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
Aerial Photo of the remains of the Roman Temple at Kedesh (view from the East)

Click on Image for high resolution magnifiable image

Used with permission from BibleWalks.com
JW: three columns fell in the same direction on the eastern front of the temple V+
Arch Damage - Keystones keystones above the two side entrances at the Roman Temple in Kedesh
Plan of the Roman Temple in Kedesh

Stern et al (1993)
  • Some of the masonry courses of the east facade are clearly shifted out of line (PI. 27: I), and a similar disturbance is evident in the keystones above the two side entrances. [JW: presumably from an older photo] - Schweppe et al (2017)

 VI+
Arch Damage - Dropped Keystone Masonry Tomb at Kades
Plan of 'a Masonry Tomb' in Kedesh

Conder and Kitchner (1882:228)
Masonry Tomb at Kades [aka Kedesh] - levels re-balanced by Williams

Conder and Kitchner (1882:228-229)
Conder and Kitchner (1882:228-229) took a photo described as Masonry Tomb at Kades [aka Kedesh] which shows a dropped keystone in a N-S trending arch VI+
The archeoseismic evidence requires a minimum Intensity of VIII (8) when using the Earthquake Archeological Effects chart of Rodríguez-Pascua et al (2013: 221-224).

PGA Estimates from simulations run by Schweppe et al (2017)

' Table 2

Parameters of two assumed earthquakes (†), five historic earthquakes along the DSTF (Dead Sea Transform Fault) and in addition a strong motion record (٭) from the 1999 Taiwan earthquake.

JW: 749 CE simulation is highlighted

Schweppe et al (2017)


Schweppe et al (2017) performed numerical simulations and estimated that a PGA of 6 m/s2 was required to topple the currently remaining Temple structure under conditions of a dominant frequency of 1 Hz. and shaking in an EW direction. This produced an estimated upper limit for strength of shaking experienced at the site - at least since around 363 CE. They additionally simulated a number of historical earthquakes thought to have affected Kedesh after 363 CE and none were shown to have toppled what remains of the Temple. They did not simulate a hypothesized 363 CE earthquake (363 CE Cyril Quakes) which may have led to or contributed to initial abandonment of the structure.

In their simulation of post 363 CE earthquakes (Table 2 above), the Southern 749 CE Sabbatical Year Quake highlighted yellow in the table above appears to be mischaracterized and based on the flawed intensity map of Marco et al (2003: Figure 3) which amalgamated seperate mid 8th century CE earthquakes into one large event. The 749 CE simulation of Schweppe et al (2017) assumed that one earthquake in 749 CE effectively broke the entire Jordan Valley Fault and that the epicenter was ~150 km. south of Kedesh. However, the mid 8th century CE earthquake that would have caused the most damage at Kedesh was likely largely due to slippage on strike-slip and normal faults around the Sea of Galilee and in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. There is good evidence of strike-slip motion in one of the 749 CE Sabbatical Year Quakes at the nearby (~26 km. away) paleoseismic site of Bet Zeyda. This indicates that epicenter for the 749 CE event in Schweppe et al (2017)'s simulation should have been closer to the site. It may have also had a stronger E-W component than what was modeled by Schweppe et al (2017). Schweppe et al (2017)'s simulations showed that a strong E-W component is required to topple the east facing facade of the Temple.

While abandonment around the time of the northern Cyril Quake of 363 CE suggests that this earthquake damaged the Temple, the damage evidence at the site is undated and the most likely scenario is that it was caused by the northern Cyril Quake of 363 CE, one of the mid 8th century CE earthquakes, and possibly human agency. Other post 363 CE earthquakes may have also damaged the weakened structure.

Notes and Further Reading
References

Articles and Books

Conder, C. R. and H. H. Kitchner (1882). The Survey of Western Palestine, II Samaria. London: Palestine Exploration Fund, pp. 3760. - Kedesh is listed as Kades and is discussed on pages 226-230 (266-279 in the pdf)

Davidovich, U. and Wachtel, I. (2022) Tel Qedesh - Preliminary Report Hadashot Arkheologiyot v. 134.

Fischer, M., et al. (1984). "The Roman Temple at Kedesh, Upper Galilee: A Preliminary Study." Tel Aviv 11(2): 146-172.

Krencker, D., Krencker, D. M., Zschietzschmann, W. (1978). Römische Tempel in Syrien. Volume 1 Germany: W. de Gruyter

Krencker, D., Zschietzschmann, W. (1938). Römische Tempel in Syrien. Volume 2 Germany: De Gruyter

Schweppe, G., et al. (2017). "The Ruin of the Roman Temple of Kedesh, Israel; Example of a Precariously Balanced Archaeological Structure Used as a Seismoscope." 2017 60(4).

Wachtel, Ido & Davidovich, Uri (2021) Qedesh in the Galilee: The Emergence of an Early Bronze Age Levantine Megasite, Journal of Field Archaeology, 46:4, 260-274

Websites

Tel Qedesh at the Institute of Archaeology at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

Kedesh Roman City at BibleWalks.com

Kedesh Naphtali at BibleWalks.com

Kedesh The Biblical City at BibleWalks.com

Bibliography from Stern et. al. (1993 v. 3)

The Mound and Temple

E. Renan, Mission de Phenicie, Paris 1871, 685-686

Guerin, Galilee 2, 357-358;

Conder-Kitchener, SWPI, 226-230

C. Clermont-Ganneau, PEQ 35 (1903), 131-135

R. Mouterde, Al Machriq 21 (1923), 623-625

Baalbek: Ergebnisse der Ausgrabungen und Untersuchungen in den Jahren 1898-1905, 1-2 (ed. T. Wiegand), Berlin 1921-1923

C. C. Edgar, Zenon Papyri 1, Cairo 1925, no. 59004

D. M. Krencker and W. Zschietzschmann, Roinische Tempel in Syrien, Berlin 1938

A. S. Marmardji, Textes Geographiques Arabes sur Ia Palestine, Paris 1951, 5, 96, 102, 105, 165

G. Taylor, The Roman Temples of Lebanon: A Pictorial Guide, Beirut 1971

M. Fischer et al., Zeitschrift fiir Papyrologie und Epigraphik 49 (1982), 155-158 id.,Israel-Land and Nature (Fall 1983), 28-32; id., TA 11 (1984), 146- 172; 13-14(1986-1987), 60-66

M. Fischer,IEJ35 (1985), 189

A. Ovadiah, ESI2(1983), 88; 3 (1984), 92

A. Ovadiah et aL, IEJ 33 (1983), 110-111, 254

M. Aviam, TA 12 (1985), 212-214

J. Magness, AJA 94 (1990), 300; id., IEJ 40 (1990), 173-181.

Cultic cave

TM. Tadmor, IEJ 28 (1978), 1-30; ibid., 110-111, 254

M. Aviam (loc. cit.)

Bibliography from Stern et. al. (2008)

A. Lajtar, Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik 89 (1991), 155–157

O. Ovadiah (et al.), ABD, 5, New York 1992, 573–575; id., (et al.), IEJ 43 (1993), 60–63; id., Studies in the Archaeology and History of Ancient Israel, Haifa 1993, 24*–25*; id. (& Y. Turnheim), “Peopled” Scrolls in Roman Architectural Decoration in Israel: The Roman Theatre at Beth Shean/Scythopolis (Rivista di Archeologia Suppl. 12), Roma 1994; id., Art and Archaeology in Israel and Neighbouring Countries, London 2002 (index)

J. L. Peterson, ABD, 4, New York 1992, 11–12

T. E. Levy & A. J. Witten, ESI 14 (1994), 133–134

M. Bietak & K. Kopetzky, Synchronisation, Wien 2000, 113

S. C. Herbert & A. M. Berlin, AJA 104 (2000), 325; 106 (2002), 287; id., IEJ 50 (2000), 118–123; id., ASOR Newsletter 52/3 (2002), 5–6; id., BASOR 329 (2003), 13–59

S. C. Herbert, 28th Archaeological Conference in Israel, Haifa, 24–25.3.2002 (Abstracts of the Lectures), Jerusalem 2002, 18

H. Shanks, BAR 26/5 (2000), 42–47

H. Watzman, Archaeology 53/6 (2000), 27

D. Wexler, BAR 26/3 (2000), 15

A. M. Berlin & S. C. Herbert, ibid. 31/5 (2005), 34–44; ASOR Annual Meeting Abstract Book, Boulder, CO 2001, 44; id. (et al.), JAS 30 (2003), 115–121

G. Edelstein, ‘Atiqot 43 (2002), 99*–105*

D. T. Ariel & J. Naveh, BASOR 329 (2003), 61–80

M. Aviam, Jews, Pagans and Christians in the Galilee: 25 Years of Archaeological Excavations and Surveys—Hellenistic to Byzantine Periods (Land of Galiliee 1), Rochester, NY 2004

Wikipedia pages

Tel Kedesh

  • from Wikipedia - click link to open new tab


Biblical Kedesh

  • from Wikipedia - click link to open new tab


Qadas

  • from Wikipedia - click link to open new tab


Al-Malkiyya

  • from Wikipedia - click link to open new tab