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Beth-zurInsight on the Scriptures, Volume 1
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The name is still preserved at Burj es-Sur, while excavations have shown the actual site of the ancient city to be at Khirbet et-Tubeiqeh (Bet Zur), about 0.5 km (0.3 mi) to the NW. This location is 7.5 km (4.5 mi) N of Hebron, with Gedor about 5 km (3 mi) farther NNW and Halhul 1.5 km (1 mi) to the SSE. It is described as one of the highest ruined towns in Palestine, being situated on a hill 1,007 m (3,304 ft) above sea level. As it was near the highway leading N-S along the ridge of the watershed route and also guarded the routes leading to Mareshah and Libnah in the W, Beth-zur occupied a position of strategic importance.
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Beth-zurInsight on the Scriptures, Volume 1
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Archaeological excavations at Beth-zur in 1931 and 1957 revealed evidence of strong fortifications. Numerous coins were found dating from the fourth to the second century B.C.E.; these included silver Jewish coins believed to date from the Persian period or about the fourth century B.C.E.
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