Beit Shean

Beit Shean

Founded in approximately 1500 BC, Beit She'an sits at the strategically significant crossroads of the Jezreel and the Jordan Valleys. Due to this location Beit She’an essentially controlled access from the interior of Israel to the coast as well as access passing between Jerusalem and the Galilee. Beit She'an is mentioned in the books of Joshua, I Samuel and I Chronicles. It was a Canaanite city in which Joshua failed to conquer then subsequently, King David did conquer. The inclusion of Beit She’an in the kingdom is mentioned in I Chronicles as being included in the tribe of Ephraim‘s territory. During the Roman period, Beit She’an became one of the most wealthy and influential cities in Israel.

This video features an aerial view of the extensive archeological site, the modern city of Bet She’an and views of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys. The archeological site includes the ancient amphitheater of Scythopolis and Ancient Roman baths.

Along the borders of Manasseh were Beth Shan, Taanach, Megiddo and Dor, together with their villages. The descendants of Joseph son of Israel lived in these towns. I Chronicles 7:29