Tell edh-Dhahab esh-Sharqi
Country: Jordan
Region: Middle East
Period: ~ 900BCE
Location: 32.183333°N, 35.7°E
Description
Penuel was an ancient city in the Kingdom of Israel, located east of the Jordan River. It is most famously mentioned in the Bible, where it is linked to the story of the patriarch Jacob. According to the biblical narrative, Jacob wrestled with an angel at Penuel, and afterward, the city was named "Peniel," meaning "face of God," as Jacob believed he had seen God face-to-face. The city was strategically important and served as a site of military and religious significance.
Modern Remains
The exact location of ancient Penuel is uncertain, though it is often identified with a site near the modern town of Fasa'il in Jordan. Archaeological remains from the Iron Age have been discovered in the region, including fortifications and structures that may be linked to the biblical city. The modern village of Penuel in Israel also carries the name, reflecting the ancient city's continued cultural and religious significance. However, no major large-scale excavations have definitively linked the site with the biblical Penuel.