Bible Archeology Discoveries

The identification of Edrei with Daraa helps locate one of the principal cities associated with Og and the kingdom of Bashan. The site also illustrates the long history of settlement in southern Syria. However, the surviving archaeological evidence does not directly establish the battle described in Numbers and Deuteronomy or confirm the reign of Og.

The modern city of Daraa in southern Syria is commonly identified with biblical Edrei, one of the royal cities of Og, king of Bashan. The Bible describes Edrei as the place where the Israelites encountered Og and his army before entering the Promised Land.

Ancient remains have been reported in and beneath the modern city, including extensive underground chambers and passages cut into the basalt. Many of the better-known underground features may belong to the Hellenistic or Roman periods rather than the time described in the biblical account. Because modern buildings cover much of the ancient settlement, archaeological investigation of its earlier history remains limited.