Mar Saba Monastery

   A 5th C AD monastery, the largest in the Judean desert. The walled complex is built on the southern cliffs of the Kidron creek. It was established by Saint Sabas, and named after him. The monastery started as a place of seclusion of few monks in the caves, led by Mar Saba.

Herodion

   Herod the Great built this monumental fortress and palace in the Judean desert south of Jerusalem, and was buried here. The site was a rebel stronghold during the great revolts against the Romans. It is one of the most exciting archaeological sites in Israel.

Flavius Wars 1 21 10: "... built a fortress upon a mountain towards Arabia, and named it from himself, Herodium"

Mar Elias

    A 12th C Greek-Orthodox monastery, on the side of the road from Jerusalem to Bethlehem. Built over the ruins of a Byzantine church, it serviced the pilgrimage route to Bethlehem.

1 Kings 19: 2: Then Jezebel sent a messenger unto Elijah... And when he saw that, he arose, and went for his life, and came to Beersheba, which belongeth to Judah..."

Emmaus    - Overview

 Emmaus, also known as Hammat or Nikopolis, was a large city from the Hellenistic period through the Byzantine period.  It is strategically  located on the main road from the plains to Jerusalem.

     Luke 24 13: "And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was from Jerusalem about threescore furlongs".

Emmaus   - Basilica

   The site is situated on the beginning of the road that climbs up to Jerusalem, about 30 Km west of the Holy City. It is believed to be the site of the village where Jesus, after resurrection, said farewell to Cleophas and his companion, according to Luke's Gospel.

Emmaus    - Roman Bath

   A well preserved 3rd C AD structure, located inside the Arabic cemetery in Emmaus. It served as the Roman city's bath.

Emmaus    - Valley of Springs

   This Late Roman water system supplied the water to the city of Emmaus-Nicopolis.

Emmaus    - Fortress

   A Hasmonean period fortress located inside the Ayalon park. It was fortified by Bacchides during the Maccabee revolt.

Emmaus    - Wine Presses

   Ancient wine presses are located in Park Ayalon (Canada).

Isaiah 5:2: "And he fenced it, and gathered out the stones thereof, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the midst of it, and also made a winepress therein: and he looked that it should bring forth grapes, and it brought forth wild grapes".

Kathisma ("Seat")

       Ruins of an Octagon shaped Byzantine church and monastery, located near Mar Elias, on the road to Bethlehem.

Luke 2 4-5: "And Joseph also went up from Galilee... unto ... Bethlehem... with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child".

Jabal Munttar ('Azazel)

High mountain in the Judean desert, site of a ruined Byzantine monastery, and probable place of the Biblical scapegoat ceremony.

Leviticus 16 10: ""But the goat, on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat, shall be presented alive before the LORD, to make an atonement with him, and to let him go for a scapegoat into the wilderness."

Horkania

     A 2nd C BC Hasmonean fortress in the northern Judean desert. It was reinforced by Herod the Great. During the Byzantine period a Monastery was built by the Judean monks.  

Nebi Musa

      An ancient Holy Muslim site located on the side of the road from Jerusalem to Jericho, dedicated to Prophet Moses (Nebi Musa). 

Water in the Judean desert

    In the dry Judean desert, water is life. Its few residents rely on wells and springs in order to survive.