Tel Afek

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For the site near Rosh HaAyin in central Israel, see Antipatris.

For other uses, see Afek.

Tel Afek, (Hebrew: תל אפק‎), commonly spelled Aphek, is an archaeological site in Israel's Ein Afek Nature Reserve, east of the town of Kiryat Bialik, north of Haifa.

The site is what remains of the biblical town of Aphik, which is mentioned in the Book of Joshua 19:30 as belonging to the Tribe of Asher. The name is apparently derived from the nearby abundant springs (אפיקים afikim in Hebrew).

Afek

The site contains remains from the Middle Bronze Age, the Iron Age, and the Roman Period.

The highlights of the park include the Crusader fortress and the natural water canals and lake, which draw their waters from the year-long flowing springs of Afek, which are the source of the Naaman river.

The massive walls were built in the Bronze Age. According to the Bible, it was strongly defended and was not conquered by the tribe of Asher.

In the Hellenistic period the city expanded northwards, and grew into a large area that reached the springs.

In Crusader times, the northern area was fortified to protect the route to Nazareth. A two-story fortress still stands. A water-powered flour mill operated on the lower floor.