The city is one of the largest ever found in Israel. Surrounding the city was a detailed fortification wall, at times six feet high. In the city was a large temple, inside of which were burnt animal bones, and figurines with animal and human faces; outside the temple was a large courtyard, in which were a large stone basin that religious officials filled with ceremonial liquids. Also found in the city was a cemetery.

As well, the findings include a systematic street and city design–divided between public and residential buildings–that suggest a sophisticated approach to settlement design, Antiquities Authority officials said. The city, which is 5,000 years old, at its height would have had a population of about 6,000 and, officials said, would have been "the Bronze Age new York."

The number of pottery, tool, and other fragments was high, exceeding four million. Proving evidence of trade with Egypt were tools found from that civilization.

The city showed evidence of a sudden abandonment, said officials, who were still looking for reasons for that abandonment. Officials also said that they found, below some of the houses, evidence of a city that would have been 2,000 years older.

The site is En Sur, in Hasharon, about 35 miles north of Tel Aviv. Digs, augmented by 5,000 volunteers, have been taking place for the past few years. Excavations began in the wake of a road-building project. Construction on that road will now bypass the ruins.