Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Titura Hill

Last time we looked at Um El Umdan; another possible location of the ancient Modiin is Titura Hill, an archeological site in the middle of modern Modiin. 

Remains have been found dating back to the 8^th century BCE, distinguishing this as a thriving city, not just a village like Um El Umdan (link to the Um El Umdan blog) is thought to be. The size of the city throughout history, along with the continuing habitation of the location, are some arguments presented by historians to establish this as the remains of ancient Modiin.

The story of the Macabees states that the tomb of the Macabees is built with a view of the sea.  Titura Hill also fulfills this requirement, as the sea can be seen from it on clear days.

The Hasmonean city was dismantled and the stones were used to build the crusader fortress, and other buildings which are there today.  Ruins can be visited from the Hasmonean period, through the Roman and Byzantine and Crusader periods and include wine presses and olive presses, water cisterns and caves used for hiding during the Bar Kokhba revolt. 

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