Tell el Far’ah

Since 1960, end of excavations at Tell el Far’ah under the direction of Roland de Vaux, the identification of the site with biblical Tirçah has often been suggested. Could such an identification be maintained after Alain Chambon’s publication of Iron Age levels? A critical reassessment of archaeological evidence and of biblical texts allows to assert that this identification his supported by strong arguments.Most of Tell el Far’ah cylinder seals date from Middle Bronze Age (XVth to XIVth c. B.C.) and pertain to the so-called syrian style. The other seals belong to Iron Age and are typical of a popular art.Scarabs testify for egyptising influences at Tell el Far’ah. It seems difficult to rely on them for dating levels. Although they are diversified, the common motives show a repetitive trend which often turns into monotony.Analysis of several ceramic samples from Tell el Far’ah give precise information on technical developments from the Neolithic to Iron Age. Pottery is mainly locally produced, with the possible occurence of a few imported sherds from the coastal district (group M) and from northern Palestine (group N).