Ancient Lod Community Archaeological Project

Ancient Lod is one of the most important archaeological sites in Israel. However, its former glory is nowhere in evidence amidst the difficulties the city is currently experiencing. Israeli Institute of Archaeology has initiated a community archaeological project in order to restore the ancient town of Lod and develop it as a major tourist attraction. We believe that this development will generate changes which can extricate the modern city of Lod and its residents from its present problems and lead it towards a better future.

The population of Lod is comprised of a diverse population of Jews and Arabs, secular and religious, new immigrants and veterans. The Lod Community Archaeological Project integrates residents of the city into all stages of the development. As such, it is a unique community venture.

Our Achievements

Recognizing the multi-cultural heritage of the city and initiating discussion on heritage preservation

Introducing Lod’s heritage to the new generation

The understanding that the restoration of the old city is a key factor in the future of the town of Lod

שימור המונומנטים ההיסטוריים בעיר ושיקום המרקם הקדום שלה

Raising awareness of the importance of preserving the city’s historical monuments and ancient landscape

Raising public awareness to the importance of ancient Lod

Restoration of the major monuments in Lod

Cleaning and maintenance of Masbanet al-Far

Community and Educational Projects

Archaeology educational programs in schools

“Adopt a Site” Program

Community Archaeology excavation at Khan al-Hilu

Night market in Khan al-Hilu

Lod annual conference and Journal

History of the Old City

Prehistoric Periods

6,000-3,500 BCE

The first inhabitants of Lod reached the area about 8,000 years ago, during the Neolithic Period. Due to the important archaeological discoveries found in the city, the “Lodian Culture” is well known.

Bronze and Iron Ages

3,500-586 BCE

Early Bronze Age discoveries found in archaeological excavations conducted in Lod include typical Egyptian pottery, testifying to connections between Lod and Egypt.

Persian and Hellenistic Periods

586-37 BCE

Lod became an important Jewish center during the Persian period. During the Hellenistic period, which partially corresponds to the Hasmonean period, the Seleucid King Demetrius I, who ruled between 161-150 BCE, suggested moving Lod from the control of Samaria to the Judea district due to its Jewish majority.

The Roman and Byzantine Periods

37 BCE-640 CE

The crowning glory of findings from the Roman Period is the most impressive mosaic floor ever found in Israel and one of the most impressive worldwide

Early Islamic period and the Crusader period

1260-638

The Moslem rulers designated Lod as the civil capital of "Jund Palestine" (The Palestinian district).

The Mamluk Period

1517-1260

During the 13th century the Mamluks captured Lod. They constructed the El-Omari Mosque and the Jindas Bridge, one of the most Impressive ancient bridges in Israel.

The Ottoman period

1917-1517

During the Ottoman period Lod became a central town in the Ayalon stream area, and an important center for the olive and oil industry.

The British Mandate

1948-1917

During the Mandate Period, Lod was chosen as the location for the central train station between Cairo in the South, and Damascus in the north, as well as the International air terminal, named Lod Airport,