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Masada, Israel

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  Introduction Masada is an incredible place. not only because of its unique environment but also because of its history . The first fort there was built by “Jonathan the High Priest,” thought to be Hasmonean King Alexander Janaeus (who ruled from 103 to 76 B.C.) justifying it name (Masada means  “strong foundation or support”) . Although no definitive ruins have been discovered from that time, c oins of that times were found at Masada so it can be assumed that the fortress was founded in 103-76 BC. Judea was ruled autonomously by the Hasmonean kings from 140 until 63 BCE. The Hasmonean kings retained their titles, but became clients of Rome after the conquest by Pompey in 63 BCE. Herod makes Masada his retreat In 47 BC happened an event which, at the end, should have great impact for the future of Judea. While Caesar was besieged in Alexandria, Antipater rescued him with three thousand men and the aid of numerous nearby friends. For his "demonstrations of valor" Caesar elev...
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Ein Gedi, Israel

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Ein Gedi is mentioned in the Bible a number of times: In Joshua 15:62, Ein Gedi is enumerated among the wilderness cities of the Tribe of Judah in the desert of Betharaba, and in  Ezekiel 47:10, it is prophesied that one day, its coastal location will make it into a fishing village, after the water of the Dead Sea has been made sweet: Fishing nets will be spread from En-gedi to En-eglaim.[5] Fleeing from King Saul , David hides in the strongholds at Ein Gedi (1 Samuel 23:29 and 24:1–2) and Saul seeks him "even upon the most craggy rocks, which are accessible only to wild goats" (1 Samuel 24:2).  Saul, the first King of Israel (at this point no longer in Gods favor) is hunting David (the youngest son of Jesse, and Sauls son-in-law) and enters a cave to relieve himself.  David, who was hiding in the cave, stealthily cuts off a corner of Saul's cloak. David reproaches himself for it, and confronts Saul. David swears in a monologue that he had never meant to wrong the King, a...
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