Tel Burga
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תל בורגה | |
  Tel Burga Shown within Israel | |
| Location | Binyamina, Sharon Plain Israel |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 32°31′15.0312″N 34°57′50.8242″E / 32.520842000°N 34.964117833°E |
Tel Burga is an archaeological site in the Sharon Plain, 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) east of Binyamina, Israel.[1] The site was excavated in 2004 on behalf of the Israeli Antiquities Authority. The Israel Electric Company requested and funded the excavation prior to the erection of two new high-voltage pylons in the area.[2]
Tel Burga is located in the Sharon Plain, 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) east of the city of Binyamina, and roughly 5.5 kilometres (3.4 mi) from the Mediterranean Sea on the Israeli coast.[2] The site is a tell, a natural mound made of layers of debris and human settlements, creating a man-made plateau. The area consists of relatively flat coastal plan besides the man-made mound and is roughly 23 meters above sea level.[3] The tell itself is roughly 10 meters high.[2]
Extensive surveys of the site have revealed a large oval shaped tell of 250 dunams (0.25 km2; 0.097 sq mi), which makes up the size of the ancient human settlement, encircled by an artificial rampart. The rampart showcases a strong fortification once surrounded the site.[4][better source needed]
History
Tel Burga was a small fortified site strategically located between larger cities in Canaan in a position to support growing urban culture during the Middle Bronze Age.[5][full citation needed] Archaeological surveys on site identified the remains of at least two towers and a wall, as well as ceramic remains from various periods, starting with the Chalcolithic; Early, Intermediate and Middle Bronze and Iron Ages. Roman and Medieval artifacts were also found.[1]
Middle Bronze Age
In the Middle Bronze IIA (MB IIA), the site held a major fortified settlement. There is a large burial structure on a part of the tell.[6] To the northwest was Tel Mevorakh (4 km) and to the north the major coastal site Tel Megadim (20 km).[7] Other sites include Tel Esur (5 km) southeast and Tel Zeror (12 km) south.
Area A: In Area A, three adult burial pits were found with human remains alongside a stone burial structure. A young male was found buried with three scarabs and pottery, all dating to the Middle Bronze Age.[2]
Area B: Located near the northern rampart, structures were found which included one with walls and a beat-earthen floor. A different structure with larger walls was also found with a flagstone pavement outside. Findings in Area B were also dated to the Middle Bronze Age.[2]
In the Middle Bronze IIB (MB IIB), occupation discontinued.[8]
