Avdat, also known as Abdah, Ovdat and Obodat, was a city on the Incense route, the route by which incense, perfumes and spices were brought from Arabia through the Negev and to the port of Gaza. Like Mamshit it was inhabited by the Nabateans, Romans and Byzantines between the 1st century BCE and the 7th century CE. The city was named for the Nabatean King Oboda II (1st century BCE) who developed the city; he was revered as a god, and was buried in the city. Avdat was destroyed by an earthquake in 630 CE, and shortly after, in 636 CE, the area was conquered by Arab tribes. These two factors together sealed its fate and the city was abandoned. Modern archaeological study of the city began in the 19th century, and in 1870 a researcher by the name of Palmer identified the site and determined that it was the city of Avdat. Excavations began in 1958.
Avdat was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in June 2005 but on 4th October 2009 the site suffered extensive damage when hundreds of artifacts were smashed and paint smeared on walls and an ancient wine press. In a lengthy rehabilitation project, the damaged artifacts were restored and the security arrangements at the site were reinforced. Avdat was also the filming location of the 1973 film Jesus Christ Superstar.
We started our visit to Avdat at the entrance to the national park. There we found an information centre with displays about the Incense route, antiquities from the site and a short film about the Incense route and how the Nabateans water harvested to survive in the desert.
We left the museum and drove to the upper parking, stopping en route to explore the store caves in the lower city, above. The caves were used as tombs during the period of the Nabatean settlement, while the Byzantines used them for dwellings, stables and monasteries, as well as for storing agricultural produce and fermenting wine.
We left the museum and drove to the upper parking, stopping en route to explore the store caves in the lower city, above. The caves were used as tombs during the period of the Nabatean settlement, while the Byzantines used them for dwellings, stables and monasteries, as well as for storing agricultural produce and fermenting wine.
At the top of the hill is the main city of Avdat. At the entrance to the city is a Roman tower with an inscription dating back to the late 3rd century; the Roman tower was built by a local Nabatean architect who was so skilled that the lower story and roof survived the 630 CE earthquake. This tower is the oldest Nabatean building found in Israel.
From the tower we continued on to the street in the Byzantine quarter. The main street had homes on each side; it was destroyed in the earthquake but the arches of the "vaulted room" were reconstructed during the conservation project after vandals tore them down in 2009. The drainage system collected rainwater from under the streets and drained it into cisterns.
A huge Roman army camp was well preserved, as was the Byzantine wine press, with its crushing floor and the large collection hole in a second room. It was part of a Late Roman/Early Byzantine farmhouse. The Byzantine citadel with its tower, large water cistern and channel through which rainwater flowed, is also well preserved. The view from the tower was spectacular!
The remains of an old Nabatean temple is located in a large hall, which is flanked by two churches. The Southern church was part of a monastery, named after Saint Theodore, a Greek martyr of the 4th century. The Northern church is the older church, which was built from the stones of an earlier pagan temple.
Finally we went to see the bathhouse at the bottom of the hill, which was built in the 4th century by Roman soldiers. Though it was locked and we were unable to go in, we learnt that it had two hot rooms, a cool room, a warm room, and a dressing room. An adjacent well, 70 metres deep, contained water that flowed through a channel to the bathhouse.
Avdat is one of the best preserved Nabatean cities in Israel. It was a great place to learn about the Nabateans, and the Romans and then Byzantines who inhabited this spot. The reconstructed rooms, churches and temple were impressive, but it was the gorgeous views from the top of the hill that left the biggest impression. Exploring this site is a must for anyone trying to grasp the history of the Negev desert and its people.
* This post has been shared on Travel Tuesday, Wordless Wednesday (on Tuesday), Wednesday around the World, Little Things Thursday, Thankful Thursday, Friday Foto Friends and All Seasons.
26 comments:
What beautiful scenery!
Fascinating site - such a shame people want to destroy ancient artifacts. Rather senseless.
We did not make it far south enough to see Avdat National park when we were in Israel this summer, only made it to Masada. I was a bit unconditioned for the desert heat I will admit. This site looks fascinating and I'm so happy to hear it has been restored. Thank you for sharing the interesting history and area with #FarawayFiles, Erin
Wow! This is an amazing site! I love the lizards and how they camouflage the way they do. It is fun to be living in an environment with them for the first time in my life. We have one that has basically been living in our wreath on our front door for a few weeks now. Too cute!
There's an overwhelming sensation of heat, Lisa. Beautiful ruins :)
What a fascinating place - I do like a bit of archaeology. The name 'incense route' is so evocative, and I love the camel photo. xx
Wow! Thanks for the tour, I'm so glad you share all this information and the awesome photos. I do appreciate your post about the wonderful places you visit.
What a beautiful site, full of history. Thank you for linking up today!
This site is very interesting. It always amazes me how far the Roman influence extended. I did not know that incense was such a well traded and valued commodity.
What an awesome tour you gave with great descriptions. It looks really hot there,especially since there's no vegetarian. Thanks so much for sharing on FFF and for your comment. Hope you have a great weekend! 💜
Wonderful photos. I don't remember visiting here either time we were in Israel. We were at Masada twice and I was fascinated by that. You're right. It is a little warm there.
How cool! Thanks for sharing.
The photo with the camel caravan in shadow is amazing! What beautiful desert scenery.
Wow, so very beautiful. Thanks for sharing. I would love to visit there. #PoCoLo
Wow Lisa! This is just wonderful. What impressive structures and such a beautiful location. It is such a shame to hear of the vandalism. Some people do make me wonder.
Thanks so much for sharing your trip with #MMBC. Have a lovely weekend. x
You did well to spot and capture the very well camouflaged lizard! This has to be my favourite photo :) #TheWeeklyPostcard
Lovely photos of a place I'll likely never get a chance to visit. I've heard about this desert so it was lovely to see it. You did a great job of capturing the lizard.
Thank you for a very interesting post. Always have a sense of transient our lives are when I read about cities and civilisations that once existed that now don't. So sad that vandals have nothing better to do than destroy ancient history. Loved the history lesson and the photos, thank you for sharing on #theweeklypostcard
A part of my family lives in Israel, so I've been there a lot of times. Unfortunately, I've never made it to Negev desert. Would love to visit it.
#TheWeeklyPostcard
So much history and architecture. It looks like a really amazing place to explore. I've never heard of it so thanks for sharing. #WeekendWanderlust
Beautiful photos.
Much to learn and explore here! It always amazes me how people from the desert found ways to preserve water, and build their dwellings!Intriguing material for All Seasons, Lisa:) Thank you for constructing this post with so many historical facts and have a great week.
Very interesting place!
What an amazing place, Lisa! Great photos and post.
Many thanks for taking part in the Travel Tuesday meme.
Wow, fantastic shots - those arches, it's amazing they're still there (and they totally should be) Thanks for sharing with #PoCoLo
Amazing history and beautiful scenery...wonderful trip. Those Roman Baths would be a luxury spa experience today ....all these many years later
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