History
Beersheba is mentioned numerous times in the Tanakh, often as a means of describing the borders of the Land of Israel, extending from "Be'er Sheva to Dan" (see Judges 20:1-3, I Samuel 3:19-21). The name is derived from the Hebrew Be'er, meaning a well, and Sheva, meaning "to swear an oath."
Tel Be'er Sheva was excavated from 1969 to 1976 by the Tel Aviv University Institute of Archaeology, directed by Prof. Yohanan Aharoni, except for the last season which was led by Prof. Ze'ev Herzog. These excavations were directed towards uncovering the Iron Age Israelite city at the site. Excavations were renewed by Prof Herzog between 1993 and 1995 in order to complete the uncovering of the town's water system.
The site was renovated by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority in 1990. In 2003, its water system was opened to the public as well. The excavated town is now part of the Tel Beersheva National Park.
Read more about this topic: Tel Be'er Sheva
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“The custard is setting; meanwhile
I not only have my own history to worry about
But am forced to fret over insufficient details related to large
Unfinished concepts that can never bring themselves to the point
Of being, with or without my help, if any were forthcoming.”
—John Ashbery (b. 1927)
“The second day of July 1776, will be the most memorable epoch in the history of America. I am apt to believe that it will be celebrated by succeeding generations as the great anniversary festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the day of deliverance, by solemn acts of devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with pomp and parade, with shows, games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires and illuminations, from one end of this continent to the other, from this time forward forever more”
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“Man watches his history on the screen with apathy and an occasional passing flicker of horror or indignation.”
—Conor Cruise O’Brien (b. 1917)