Illustration: Galeon Fortress during the period of the Judges, based on a reconstruction proposal by Dr. Itamar Weisbein.
On Thursday morning, October 29, the renovated Galeon Fortress in Giv'at Gubrin Forest was inaugurated following the completion of excavation, conservation, development, and accessibility work by Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) and the Israel Antiquities Authority. The improvements will allow the public to enjoy one of the area's most fascinating archaeological sites.
“Galeon Fortress provides a glimpse into the geopolitical reality described in the Book of Judges, in which the Canaanites, Israelites, and Philistines fought one another,” say Dr. Saar Ganor and Dr. Itamar Weisbein, who excavated the site on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.
“At the beginning of the 12th century BCE, the Land of Canaan was still under Egyptian rule, and its inhabitants were their vassals. However, two additional major players appeared in the region: the Israelites and the Philistines, triggering a series of bloody territorial conflicts. It appears that Galeon Fortress was built in a strategic location overlooking the main road connecting the coastal plain with the Judean foothills, in an attempt by the Canaanites or Egyptians to address the new geopolitical reality.”
Galeon Fortress is located in the heart of Giv'at Gubrin Forest, which was first planted in 1963 and covers approximately 4,400 dunams. The forest features coniferous and broadleaf trees, as well as Mediterranean woodland, and is a lush natural area with seasonal blooms.
Photo: Galeon Fortress following the site's renovation. Credit: Emil Aljam, Israel Antiquities Authority.
KKL-JNF invested approximately NIS 400,000 in the work, which included conserving and renovating the fortress itself, coating the structures with a preservative material that blends with the landscape and the site's character, highlighting the fortress rooms and overall structure, and developing visitor infrastructure. This included improving the parking area and access road, establishing a picnic area, creating accessible parking spaces, constructing an accessible path to the fortress, and installing a new signage system.
The site was renovated as part of a partnership between Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and the Israel Antiquities Authority, which worked together to excavate, conserve, and develop the site while preserving its historical value and making it accessible to the public, particularly people with disabilities.
Photo: Galeon Fortress following the site's renovation. Credit: Emil Aljam, Israel Antiquities Authority.
KKL-JNF Chairman Eyal Ostrinsky said: “Preserving the heritage sites of the Land of Israel is part of our connection to our roots and our responsibility to pass on the story of the land to future generations. Galeon Fortress allows the public to encounter a fascinating chapter in the history of the land up close, amid the landscapes of Giv'at Gubrin Forest. At KKL-JNF, we work to preserve our historical heritage while developing forests and making them accessible to the public, so that everyone can enjoy the unique combination of history, nature, and outdoor recreation. Our partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority enables us to transform sites of historical value into vibrant, accessible, and meaningful places for the entire public.”
Amir Shachar, Deputy Director of Conservation at the Israel Antiquities Authority, said:
“From our perspective, archaeology does not end with the discovery of remains. It is equally important to ensure that the sites uncovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority are preserved for years to come, and that the public can continue to enjoy them in the future. Galeon Fortress is a fine example of our partnership with Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael, which begins with the archaeological excavation, continues through the conservation work, and culminates in opening the site to visitors. We invite everyone to visit, explore the remains of the ancient fortress, and enjoy a unique combination of history, nature, and accessibility in the heart of Giv'at Gubrin Forest.”
Minister of Heritage, MK Amichai Eliyahu, said: “At a time when the State of Israel is required to defend its security, Galeon Fortress reminds us that the struggle for this land is not a new story. Already in the period of the Judges, Israelite groups faced conflicts with neighboring peoples. And just as today, out of a complex reality, a firm Israeli presence in the region gradually took root.Visiting the site connects us to our roots and sharpens our responsibility to continue safeguarding our land.”
Photo: 3,200-year-old artifacts from the Galeon excavation. Credit: Dafna Gazit, Israel Antiquities Authority.