Khirbet Kerak
Archaeological Site Bronze Age archaeological mound with fortress remains
Khirbet Kerak is an archaeological tell in northern Israel noted for Early Bronze Age strata and distinctive pottery assemblages; archaeologists and interested visitors study excavation reports and nearby museum exhibits.
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Khirbet Kerak is an archaeological tell in Israel’s Northern District on the southern shore of the Sea of Galilee. It is a major Early Bronze Age settlement and the eponym for the Khirbet Kerak ceramic tradition.
Archaeological remains include a large ancient mound with visible tiers of mudbrick architecture and extensive pottery assemblages; the site is primarily known for its distinctive burnished and black-on-red wares. Excavated finds have been important for understanding Early Bronze Age urbanism in the region.
The site was principally occupied in the Early Bronze Age and shows material links with the wider Kura-Araxes cultural horizon; it has been investigated by archaeologists during the 20th century. Finds from Khirbet Kerak have helped define regional ceramic chronologies.
The tell lies on the southern shore of Lake Kinneret (the Sea of Galilee) in northern Israel, set amid agricultural land and lakeshore terrain. It is reachable from nearby towns and from the broader Tiberias area along the lakeshore.
- Khirbet Kerak pottery: The site gave its name to the Khirbet Kerak ceramic style (Kura-Araxes related) which is distinctive across the southern Caucasus and Levantine Early Bronze contexts.
How to Get to Khirbet Kerak #
Khirbet Kerak is in Israel’s northern district / Jordan Valley region. Access is usually by road; visitors should use a car or a guided archaeological tour from nearby towns. Exact directions depend on the chosen trailhead and permissions for archaeological areas.
Tips for Visiting Khirbet Kerak #
- Wear sturdy shoes - the tell involves uneven terrain and exposed stone.
- Pair a visit with nearby sites in the Jordan Valley region for a fuller archaeological picture.
- Bring water and sun protection; shade is limited at the tell.
Best Time to Visit Khirbet Kerak #
Spring and autumn for comfortable field conditions and clearer skies.
Weather & Climate near Khirbet Kerak #
Khirbet Kerak's climate is classified as Hot Semi-Arid - Hot Semi-Arid climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cool winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 9°C to 33°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 17°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 91 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (47 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 18°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is warm with highs of 31°C and lows of 22°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is hot, feeling like 29°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the hottest month, feeling like 30°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is hot, feeling like 28°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is warm with highs of 29°C and lows of 19°C. Light rainfall and mostly sunny skies.
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November
November is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 14°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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