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Iron Age Gate Structures,
with a Focus on the Mudaybi` Monumental Gate Complex
Introduction. Usually when we think of gates in the
biblical period, we think of massive defensive structures to
protect the town or city from outside attack. And realistically,
the gate is probably the most vulnerable part of a town’s
defenses, simply because it stands at an opening into the town.
In addition, the gate was often located at a low point in the
town’s layout for several reasons: the low point would provide
the easiest access to the town by travelers or merchants—they
wouldn’t have to maneuver their animals and wares to higher
points in the town; the market was often located just inside the
gate for the same reason; and the low point would offer a good
drainage channel for rainfall throughout the town to run outside
the city walls through the gate.
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