Mystery of the Prophet Amos Tomb May Have Finally Been Solved After Centuries

A centuries old mystery in the land of Judah may finally have an answer. A new study by archaeologist Michael Chernin and photographer Shai Halevi of the Israel Antiquities Authority has identified what they believe to be the precise location of the tomb of the Prophet Amos, one of the final prophets of the Twelve Minor Prophets.

The burial place had remained unknown since the seventeenth century, when the site was abandoned due to the dangerous security situation in the area. Now, after years of research, the team says the evidence points to a site known as Qasr Antar, located about two kilometers from ancient Tekoa.

The researchers reached their conclusion by comparing Jewish and Christian pilgrim accounts, aerial photographs, and physical remains found in the field. Among the key sources were fifteenth century Jewish pilgrim testimonies describing an ancient burial cave beneath a church at the site.

According to the study, the location served as a pilgrimage destination for around 1,300 years before it was eventually abandoned.

The research began about a decade ago, but its publication has now been accelerated due to serious damage caused to the site in recent years by antiquities looters.

The full findings are expected to be presented this Tuesday, May 5, 2026, during the tenth Judea Research Conference, held in memory of Dr. David and Hannah Amit. The conference is being organized in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority, KKL, the Kfar Etzion Field School, and other partners.

The event is expected to conclude with a special tour to the site identified as the tomb of the Prophet Amos, subject to security approval.