(Israel)—Haaretz News reports that the Nature and National Parks Protection Authority yesterday opened "Abraham's Gate"—originally uncovered in 1979, but recently under painstaking restoration—at Tel Dan in the north, for visits by the public.

Believed to have been built around 1750 B.C., the ancient structure is seven meters tall and composed of three sun-dried mud brick arches on a large basalt stone foundation. The arches are said to be the oldest ever found in the Land of Israel. (Photo: israelnotes.files.wordpress.com)

Raphael Greenberg of Tel Aviv University's archaeology department was quoted as saying the gate is one of the most impressive finds of its time.

Said Ze'ev Margalit, who is responsible for archaeological preservation at the parks authority: "The Bible recounts that the people of Dan took Abraham's nephew Lot prisoner, and Abraham came to Dan to rescue him, but it is hard to confirm whether or not Abraham passed through the gate."

The report also notes Margalit saying that in recent years "Christian pilgrims have come to the site, and have reacted with great excitement in coming face to face with Abraham's gate."

Used by www.breakingchristiannews.com / Ilani and Eli Ashkenazi - Haaretz
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