First mentioned as one of the Amorite cities conquered by Joshua, Lachish became an important Judean bastion that dominated the main byways leading from Judea to the coastal plain. The Assyrian onslaught led by Sennacharib (ca.701) brought with it the conquest and destruction of Lachish. Sennacharib later recorded his exploits at Lachish, engraving them in Nineveh on his palace walls (today on display in the British Museum).

The British excavated Tel Lachish in the 1930’s. Chief archaeologist John Starkey was robbed and killed on his way from the tel to Jerusalem in 1938.

Before his untimely death, Starkey discovered inscriptions on potsherds, which later became know as the "Letters of Lachish". These provide more background to the Babylonian conquest of Lachish and neighboring towns.

Impressive Fortifications and the gate are visible from the top of the tel as well as remains of several cultic sites. From that overlook there is a spectacular view of the Shephelah lowlands.