For centuries, the burial place of the biblical prophet Amos was considered lost after instability in the seventeenth century led to the abandonment of what had once been a major pilgrimage site. Although tradition placed the tomb within ancient Tekoa, its exact location had remained uncertain for hundreds of years.

A new study by archaeologist Michael Chernin and photographer Shai Halevi of the Israel Antiquities Authority now argues that the tomb is located about two kilometers away at a site known as Qasr Antar. By cross-referencing fifteenth century pilgrimage accounts with aerial imaging and on-site archaeological findings, the researchers identified remains of a church built over a burial cave that match historical descriptions.

According to the study, the site was active for approximately 1,300 years before being abandoned in the early seventeenth century. Recent damage caused by antiquities robbers has increased the urgency of documenting and preserving the location, with full findings to be presented at an upcoming Judea research conference.