powered by FreeFind	Avdat 300 pictures     4 minutes HQ video Founded by the Nabateans in the 4th century B.C., Avdat was a way station along the "Spice Route" - a caravan route for the transportation of herbs, spiced, perfumes and treasures from the Orient and the Arabian Peninsula, via Petra and the Negev, to the Mediterranean shores. The main entrance The main route from the Arava reached Avdat, from where various roads branched off to Mamshit, Nitzanna and to the most important port-city for the export of this merchandise - Gaza. The welfare of Avdat and other Nabatean cities depended on control of the trade routes and sea ports. At the beginning of the Roman period, in the days of King Oboda II, the city prospered, as described by a historian of the period who wrote about Avdat being "a place of Nabateans, named after King Oboda who was buried here and revered as a god". Remains from this period include buildings, a temple, a pottery workshop and an army camp whose soldiers probably guarded the trade routes. The city experienced good and bad times, and at the end of the 1st century CE, its economy was fundamentally changed, becoming agriculturally oriented. An inscription dating to this period and found in Avdat, mentions the Nabatean King Rav'el "the reviver and saviour of his people". Apparently this king laid the foundations for agronomy and animal husbandry in Avdat. In 106 CE, the Nabatean kingdom was annexed by the Romans, and Avdat became part of the defense network of the Roman Empire. As a result, the city flourished, and many private and public buildings were erected. Avdat reached its peak of prosperity during the Byzantine period (4th-7th centuries). Elaborate churches and many other buildings were erected, and the cultivated areas were extended. Water reservoirs were built, and many caves were hewn into the slopes of the mountain, where the agricultural produce was processed and stored. When the Byzantine power declined, the citizens of Avdat were confronted with unstable security conditions and invasions by nomads. Avdat was conquered by the Arabs in 636, after which the city was slowly deserted. The Roman Burial Cave Twenty two double caves were discovered here, leading the early excavators to believe that this was the burial place of King Oboda. However, this is not a solitary grave, and furthermore, four inscriptions discovered later mention the names of women. The Roman Villa p This is a reconstructed private dwelling, dating to the Roman period. At the entrance we note the plan of the house, which was built around a square courtyard with a water cistern at its center. An observation point in the western part of the villa offers an excellent view. Signposts placed here denote the position and resources of the city, roads, agricultural lands and water holes. The Roman Tower This is a 3rd century building, with distinct architectural features, which probably served as a watch tower. Note the stone arches which were used instead of wooden beams; the inscription on the lintel, which mentions the builder; and the "dry" construction, built without any cement. Climb to the top of the building and observe the surroundings. Note the unreconstructed parts of the city, the street plan, the fortress and the church square. Roman Quarter This is a residential area which was in use during the Byzantine period as well. Walking along the road lined with buildings on either side, we notice the drainage system which included covered conduits and cistern intended to collect every drop of rain water that fell in the vicinity. The City Fortress Built during the Byzantine period at the summit of the mountain, the fortress served as a place of refuge for the citizens in times of danger. On its eastern side there is a tower with a staircase, from the top of which we wee the pottery workshop and ruins of the Nabatean army camp. Army camp Was built in the Roman period between the 3rd-4th century A.D. The southern church Refferd to as the Church of St. Theodore, has marble tombstones inscribed with names of dignitaries curried here, among them the martyr Theodorus. northern church Is a baptistery for adults, which confirms the conversion of the citizens to Christianity. The Observation Balcony This balcony lies upon ruins of the Nabatean temple. Inscriptions found here mention the Nabatean Royal family: "Avdat, Patza'el and Sheudat, sons of Hartat". An inscription on the lintel mentions the architect, builder of the roof, and "all the friends of Avdat". From here there is an excellent view of the mountain slopes, the bathhouse, the agricultural areas and the Rammaliya cistern. The 'Cave City' Here, many caves hewn into the rock formed part of the Byzantine city. These caves were used for the storage of agricultural products, and had living quarters at the entrance. The Reconstructed Byzantine House Together with the adjoining cave, this house allows us a glimpse into the life of its occupant - a wine merchant. Back to Israel Index