Lachish was first mentioned in the Amarna letters as Lakisha-Lakiša. The Israelites captured and destroyed Lachish for joining the league against the Gibeonites, but the territory was later assigned to the tribe of Judah.

Under Rehoboam, it became the second most important city of the kingdom of Judah. In 701 BC, during the revolt of king Hezekiah against Assyria, it was captured by Sennacherib despite determined resistance. The town later reverted to Judaean control, only to fall to Nebuchadnezzar in his campaign against Judah (586 BC).

A Judean Jug

The Walls and the gate

The city was surrounded by two walls including a lower retaining wall.  The approach ramp led to the outer gatehouse which in turn led to the inner triple-chambered gatehouse.  

The Chamber of Letters.

The “Letters of Lachish” were found in one of the chambers mentioned above. These letters are considered one of the most important written evidences discovered in Israel- ostracons, earthenware, engraved with ancient Hebrew letters (Da’atz)

 The Assyrian Ramp

The mound of earth and stones which the Assyrian forces poured in order to break through the walls of the town.

Arrow Heads

The Palace

The residence of the town governor, selected by the King of Judea

The Well