Avdat National Park
Avdat National Park in the Negev is home to the remains of a Nabatean city which was found on the Incense Route; the road by which incense, perfumes and spices were brought from Arabia through the Negev and to the Mediterranean ports. Avdat was named after the Nabatean king Oboda who was buried there. the city flourished between the thirtieth and ninth century BCE, was destroyed in the second half of the first century BCE, only to be rebuilt by the last Nabbatean king, Rabbel. The Roman Empire took over the region in 106 CE and Avdat flourished until it was conquered in the seventh century by Arabs. There were almost no remains of the Nabatean temple in Avdat but its gateway has been resorted and allows visitors to imagine its magnificence. The temple would have enjoyed a stunning view of the Avdat highlands and the Even-Ari farm where Byzantine-era agricultural techniques developed by the Nabateans are reconstructed. Visitors can also see a Roman bathhouse and Roman watchtower with an inscription from the third century CE. Also, a cave-tomb including 21 burial niches can be viewed and caves that were used as cisterns, tombs and storerooms. There is a Byzantine winepress that is sometimes used to reconstruct ancient wine-production techniques. There are also churches from the fourth century and a display of antiques in the visitor’s center. Visitors can learn about the Incense Route via a short film in the visitor center.
Photos
Information
address: Located on road number 40, a fifteen-minute drive south of Sde Boker.
phone: 08-655-1511
Open Hours: Apr-Sep 8:00-17:00, Oct-Mar 8:00-16:00, Fri and Holiday Eves 8:00-15:00
Categories : Nature Parks
Hello reader. My name is Charlotte Noris and I am sure that you will definitely enjoy my blog. Do you know why? All because on the pages you will see bright and colorful photos, as well as useful information. My husband and I are freelancers, so we can travel at any time of the year.
For myself, I most often plan tours in advance, but it also happens that the trip turns out to be spontaneous when I see an interesting place and a nice price. At the age of 35, I have visited more than 30 countries and do not plan to stop there. I want to visit all continents and the most secret corners of our planet.