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Timna Valley
Also known as Nahal Timna', Timna' Valley,
Wadi Mene'iyeh
See also the
Tabernacle Model which is located here
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Timna Valley
The Timna Valley is located 15 miles (25 km) north of Eilat (Elath). It is
not mentioned in the Bible but was used for copper mining during the
biblical period. The valley of Timna is 35 square miles (90 sq km) with
high mountains (1600-2300 ft; 500-700 m) on all sides except in the east.
Mount Timna in the center rises 1486 feet (453 m) above the surrounding
valley. The valley is drained by four wadis. |
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Mushroom
This unique geological formation was once part of the adjacent mountain. It
was formed by erosion caused by winds and rainstorms. The layers of
rock in the area consist predominately of sandstone but also contains
dolomite, lime, and marl. Copper was mined in this valley as early as the
Chalcolithic period (c. 3500 B.C.), making them the oldest known copper
mines in the world. |
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Copper Mining
An early explorer in this region, Nelson Glueck, believed that Solomon
mined at Timna. Archaeological investigation since Glueck has not found any
evidence of mining activity during Solomon’s time. Copper was mined here
during the Chalcolithic, Early Bronze, Late Bronze-Iron I, and Roman
periods. The copper ingots produced here were transported elsewhere to be
made into tools. Copper was a very important metal in the ancient world
because of its use in bronze. Over 10,000 mining shafts have been found in
the Timna Valley. An Israeli company, Timna Copper Mines, Ltd., mined in
this area until the price of copper decreased in the 1970s. References in
the Bible to copper metal and mining include Deuteronomy 8:9, Job 28:2,
Ezekiel 22:20, and Luke 21:2. |
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Temple of Hathor
Egyptian miners in the 13th century built a temple to the goddess Hathor
against the face of Solomon's Pillars. The excavators found hundreds of
Egyptian objects including seals, jewelry, and art objects. The temple was
rectangular, may have been covered with a fabric material, and had a niche
for a deity figurine. Hathor was the Egyptian goddess of love, and served
as the patron god of miners. Depictions of Hathor were found in the temple
art and architecture. |
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Burning Bush
What kind of bushes grow in the
wilderness that might have been on fire without being consumed? One can
imagine a bush like this being the “burning bush.” Exodus 3:2 (KJV) “And
the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a flame of fire out of the
midst of a bush: and he looked, and, behold, the bush burned with fire,
and the bush was not consumed.” |
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Solomon's Pillars
Solomon’s Pillars are natural geological formations
that were formed when the rock cracked and water eroded them to separate
the rock into distinct “pillars.” These are popularly known as Solomon’s
Pillars but there is no connection to the biblical king. An inscription
nearby depicts the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses III offering gifts to the
goddess Hathor. |
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Related Websites |
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Timna: Valley of the Ancient Copper Mines (Jewish Virtual Library)
An excellent overview of the history and importance of Timna Valley,
with particular emphasis on copper mining and production and the temple
of Hathor.
Timnah (Christian
Travel Study Program) Summarizes
the history, location, and tourist attractions associated with
the site.
Timna (Jewish National Fund) A summary of the historical events
and the development of the tourist center which includes a few photos.
Timna (AncientNearEast.net) An extremely brief summary of the
exploration of the Timna Valley. Includes a helpful bibliography.
Timna Archaeological Map (Bible Origins) A map of the Timna Valley
marking archaeological sites. Unfortunately the purpose of the site is
to promote a rationalist-humanist interpretation of the Bible.
Israel im 360 Blick (Israswiss) A webpage full of 360 degree images
of sites in Israel, including one of Solomon's Pillars and another of
the Mushroom. The images can be viewed in either medium or high
resolution.
Timna Valley - Eilat (Personal Webpage) A summary of some of the
features of the Timna Valley with a few pictures.
Solomon's Pillars (Timna) - A variety of medium-resolution
photographs of the interesting geological feature. This site is
the work of Alexander Sakharov.
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