Welcome to The Ancient City of Gaba

In Tel Abu Shusha, the Polis Geva Philippos existed, from the Hellenistic period to the Byzantine period. Evidently in this polis, Herod had given estates to the horsemen released from his army. Hence, in the works of Josephus Flavius, it was named “Geva Parashim” or Cavalry Hill. Surveys, tests, and archaeological excavations were conducted on the edges of the site. In the 2020 season, an archaeological excavation of the head of the tell began under the leadership of Dr. Avner Aker. The excavation began in three areas scattered on the top of the mound, and in the second season, it was reduced to two that will continued in the third season. The two areas are in the southeastern (C) and northwestern part of the mound (A). In area A, fill material was excavated adjacent to small sections of a large built wall running the perimeter of the mound. This wall was probably a wall or retaining wall for the city, and the purpose of the excavation is to clarify its extent and function. In area C, a built area with a complicated stratigraphy was identified. The earliest layer found has been dated to the Hellenistic period, and the latest has been dated to the Byzantine period.