A long-standing historical question surrounding the burial place of the navi Amos may be nearing resolution, as new research indicates that the kever is not located in ancient Tekoa, as traditionally believed, but rather at a nearby site known as “Khirbet Qasr Antar,” approximately two kilometers away.

For generations, it was accepted that the kever of Amos—one of the last nevi’im among Trei Asar—was in Tekoa. However, the new findings suggest that the location may instead be at this alternate site, which for centuries served as a makom aliyah l’regel for Yidden, before its precise location was lost in the 17th century due to instability in the region.

The research, conducted by archaeologist Michael Tchernin together with Shay Halevi of the Israel Antiquities Authority, brings together accounts of early oleh regel, aerial imaging, and physical findings uncovered at the site. Among the key sources are descriptions from 15th-century Jewish travelers, Rav Yitzchak ben Alfra and Yitzchak Latif, who wrote of a structure built above a burial cave—details that closely correspond with what has been found at Khirbet Qasr Antar.

According to the study, the site functioned as a major makom kadosh for visitors from the 4th century until the early 17th century, after which it was abandoned and gradually forgotten. Although the research effort began about a decade ago, it has recently taken on new urgency due to significant destruction caused at the site by antiquities looters.

The full findings, revealing the identification process and supporting evidence, will be presented at the upcoming “Tenth Judean Region Research Conference,” scheduled for Tuesday, the 18th of Iyar, in memory of Dr. David and Chana Amit. The conference is being held in collaboration with the Kfar Etzion Field School, KKL-JNF, the Israel Antiquities Authority, the David Yellin Foundation, the Eastern Regional R&D Center, and Bar-Ilan University.

Following the conference, a special guided visit is planned to the proposed kever of navi Amos, as well as to Tel Tekoa, subject to security clearance, allowing participants to see the intriguing findings firsthand.