Shechem - The Canaanite City, Tel - Balata
The name "Shechem" comes from the Canaanite language, meaning "shoulder. Shechem is located on the eastern side of the Nablus valley, positioned midway between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, and extends eastward to the plain of Askar. It is bordered to the north by Amman Street and commercial buildings, to the west by Al Maturat Street, to the south by the village of Balata, and to the east by residential houses and a street linking Balata with Amman Street.
The city’s strategic location, along with its water resources and natural features, played a crucial role in its establishment and prominence throughout history. The surrounding springs provided essential water for the inhabitants, while the valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim facilitated the movement of commercial caravans, connecting the Jordan Valley to the Mediterranean ports and linking northern Palestine to the south. The nearby plain of Askar also offered ample agricultural space.
The hill on which Shechem is situated covers approximately 45 dunums, though this figure may extend to 54 dunums due to its expansion beneath the neighboring village of Balata. The earliest known habitation on the hill dates back to the Chalcolithic period around 4500 BC, evolving into a small village by the Early Bronze Age in the third millennium BC.
Significant development occurred during the Middle Bronze Age (second millennium BC) when Shechem became a fortified city and one of the key Canaanite city-kingdoms in Palestine. The city was encircled by a semi-circular defensive wall featuring two gates: one in the northeast with three entrances protected by towers and guard rooms, and another on the eastern side. These defensive structures were built from massive rock blocks quarried from Mount Ebal.
The construction of a fortified temple, known as the Fortress Temple, coincided with the city's fortifications and is considered a model of Canaanite temple architecture. In 1550 BC, the city was destroyed by Ahmose I, and despite several rebuilds, it was repeatedly destroyed due to conflicts between Palestinian city-kingdoms. Notably, Shechem was defeated, and its king, Labaw, was killed by the army of the Kingdom of Megiddo.
In 722 BC, the Assyrians conquered Shechem, and it subsequently became a small village with limited urban development during the Greek period (333 BC). It was re-established to the west of its original location during the Roman era in 72 AD. The city and its rulers were also mentioned in Pharaoh's curses—pottery inscribed with names of enemy cities and kings, intended to destroy them.
Shechem is referenced in the reign of Pharaoh Senusret III (1843-1538 BC) on an obelisk commemorating his victories over Palestinian kingdoms, and again in the 14th century BC in the Tel el-Amarna letters as "Shekmou" under King Labaw. Early archaeological missions have explored the site, revealing parts of the city's fortifications, including the northwestern and eastern gates, and sections of the defensive wall.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has restored and rehabilitated the site, transforming it into an archaeological park.