Afula

About

The first record of the ancient city of Afula dates back to the 19th century BC when it was listed as an enemy of the Egyptian empire by Pharaoh Thutmose III. The site remained inhabited through the 13th century, being mentioned in the Hebrew Bible as the ancient Israelite town of Ofel, and archaeological excavations revealing Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Crusader, and Ayyubid ruins and artefacts. Near the city center, the ancient mound, known as Tel 'Afula, is topped by a fortified Crusader tower, which has visible Roman sarcophagi in its defensive walls. On the outskirts of town, the Well of Harod is was mentioned in the Book of Judges, and today this historic landmark sits at the center of a pleasant park.