![Sample our Area Studies journals, sign in here to start your access, latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5922/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Area-Studies.jpg"})
Abstract
During the Manasseh Hill Country Survey, an unknown fortified site was traced and explored. The site, Khirbet 'Aujah el-Foqa, may add new aspects to the understanding of both the Iron Age period and the history of the Jordan Valley. The site is situated on a high, stony hill in the western part of the Wadi 'Aujah valley and its overall area is 3.75 acres. The khirbeh was defended by a casemate wall and towers. The location of the site on an elevated hilltop, with an excellent view, hints at its military qualities and we suggest defining it as a 'fortified town'. The main settlement in the site was founded at the beginning of the Iron Age IIB and it was possibly abandoned during Sennacherib's campaign to Judah in 701 BCE. This site can be identified as 'Ataroth in the Manasseh–Ephraim boundary description (Jos 16. 6–7).