[2] The Stele of Zakkur (KAI 202), dated c, 785 BC, which contains a dedication in Aramaic to the gods Iluwer and Baalshamin, was discovered at the top of the acropolis in 1903 by the French Consul Henri Pognon.

In the Middle Bronze IIA (c. 1820-1628 BC), the Kingdom of Yamhad (Aleppo) gained control of the region and Ebla to the south became a vassalage.

[7] In the Middle Bronze I/II layer of excavation E on the acropolis an Old Syrian Linear Style green stone seal was found, dating to the 1st half of the 2nd millennium BC.

Levels VII to V have been firmly dated to the time of control by 13th century BC Hittite ruler Hattusili III by seals, pottery, and nine cuneiform tablets and fragments (in Building F).

In Iron Age II (950-750 BC) Tell Afis grew to substantial size and was part of the Kingdom of Hamath.

The two lowest levels (A3.2 followed by A3.1) date from Iron Age I, both of mudbrick with the same plan and a 2.5 meter wide gate to the south.

In A3.1 a plastered central podium was found with pit of ashes which included animal bones and fragments of a painted keros jar.

[15] A sizable Iron Age II cultic area was discovered to the east of Temple A2, on the eastern acropolis.

[20] The site was excavated from 1986 until 2010 by a joint project from the universities of Rome, Pisa and Bologna, under the direction of Stefania Mazzoni and Serena Maria Cecchini.