For centuries, the location of the tomb of the prophet Amos, the last of the twelve prophets, was considered a mystery.
Although the site was a significant pilgrimage center starting in the 4th century, security instability in the 17th century led to its abandonment and forgetting of its exact location.
According to a report on Channel 7, now new research - by archaeologist Michael Tchernin and photographer Shai Halevi from the Israel Antiquities Authority - claims that the mystery has been solved.
Contrary to the popular belief that placed the tomb within the boundaries of ancient Tekoa, the researchers were able to prove that the real site is located about 2 km away, at a site known as "Katsar Antar.".
According to the report, the identification was based on careful cross-referencing of data: descriptions of 15th-century Jewish pilgrims, such as Rabbi Yitzhak ben Alfera, who described a church built over an ancient burial cave, alongside the use of aerial photographs and findings in the field that match the historical descriptions of the structure and the cave.
Sources indicate that the site was continuously active for about 1,300 years, until it was abandoned at the beginning of the 17th century.
The research, which began about a decade ago, has been re-energized in recent years due to the gradual destruction of the site. Antiquities looters have significantly damaged the structure, making Tchernin and Levy's work of documentation and preservation critical to saving the site's historical heritage.
The full details of the identification and archaeological findings will be revealed for the first time on Tuesday as part of the "Tenth Judean Land Studies Conference" dedicated to the memory of the late Dr. David and Hannah Amit.
The conference was held in collaboration with the Israel Antiquities Authority, Bar-Ilan University, KKL-JNF, and Kfar Etzion Field School.
At the peak of the event, and subject to approval by security officials, a unique tour is expected to take place that will give the public a first glimpse of the "Tomb of the Prophet Amos" site and Tel Tekoa.
