Sharon plain


The Sharon plain is the central section of the Coastal Plain of Israel. The Plain lies between the Mediterranean Sea to the west and the Samarian Hills, to the east. It stretches from Nahal Taninim, a stream marking the southern end of Mount Carmel in the north, to the Yarkon River in the south, at the northern limit of Tel Aviv, over a total of about. Parts of the Plain are included in the Central, and Tel Aviv Districts of Israel.

Hebrew Bible

The Plain of Sharon is mentioned in the Bible, including the famous reference to the enigmatic "Rose of Sharon".

Modern history

Historically, while some parts of the Sharon plain were very fertile, much of it was swampy and malarial, a condition exacerbated by massive Ottoman deforestation. Zionist immigrants arrived in the early 20th century, drained much of the swampy land, and populated the region with many settlements. In 2008, it was the most densely populated region of Israel.

Early history – excavations ending 2019

Excavations were performed before road construction in the north part of Sharon plain. Near En Esur an early Bronze Age planned metropolis – including a temple – stretching over 65 ha for 6,000 inhabitants was discovered. Underneath this 5000-year-old city, an even older settlement from 7000 YBP has been found, according to a report from the antiquities office of Israel from 6 October 2019.

Cities and regional councils