Dan
AbrahamicJewishcityMiddle East20 BCE - 7 BCE
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Location
Modern Name
Tel Dan Nature Reserve
Country
Israel
Region
Middle East
Coordinates
33.2490, 35.6520
Era
20 BCE - 7 BCE
Site Type
City
About
Northernmost city of ancient Israel, marking the traditional boundary 'from Dan to Beersheba,' where Jeroboam set up a golden calf shrine.
Significance
Site of a major high-place sanctuary and the discovery of the 'House of David' inscription — the oldest extrabiblical reference to King David.
History & Historical Arc
Originally Canaanite Laish; conquered by the tribe of Dan (Judges 18); became Jeroboam's northern cultic center with a g…
Archaeological Notes
The 9th-century BCE Tel Dan Stele (1993-94 discovery) mentions 'House of David'; excavations revealed a well-preserved M…
Key Features & Structures
- Tel Dan Stele (replica on site)
- Israelite high place (bamah)
Visitor Information
Tel Dan Nature Reserve; entrance fee; beautiful forest walking trails; open daily except Yom Kippur.
Related Figures
Dan (tribe)Jeroboam IMicah (Judges 17-18)
In the Bible
Bible Places
This location appears in the Bible as Dan
View verse references, maps, and biblical history →
Source References
- Judges 18
- 1 Kings 12:29
- Amos 8:14