Zin River
The Nabateans preceded Ben-Gurion's vision of a flourishing desert by some 2,000 years, leaving behind impressive relics, such as the town of Avdat - a recommended site to visit on the chilly Negev nights Traveling between Sde Boker and Mitzpe Ramon, one cannot ignore the towering hill above the Zin River bed. For many centuries, at the foot of that hill there was a resting place for convoys of traders who carried perfumes, spices, and other precious goods, coming from Petra and heading for the port of Gaza, on the ancient Spice Road. At the top of the hill stands the acropolis with exquisite remains of elaborate buildings that demonstrate the Nabateans' greatness and capabilities. This desert tribe dominated the Negev, developed a major international trade route, and made a fortune in the process. The local settlement flourished under Nabatean King Avdat II (1st century BCE), who asked to be buried in the town that still carries his name. The Nabateans worshiped their king like a god. The Romans, who ruled the land at the time, were displeased by the rich Nabateans and, with great efforts, managed to shift trade routes away from the Negev. The enterprising Nabateans did not give up. They developed sophisticated farming methods, growing olives, vines, wheat, and barley. Levees that they built in most of the Negev ravines to capture the rare rainwater still exist. The town peaked during the Byzantine era (4-7th century), when splendid churches and large houses were built there. Some of these remain as splendid mementos of the Nabateans in the Negev. Visitors center and bath The air-conditioned visitors' center at the foot of the Avdat hill, near the car park, is a good place to start the tour. The center shows samples of the spices and other products that were traded in the ancient world, offering maps and professional literature for sale. Here, you can watch a short film on life along
Size: 6048px × 4032px
Location: Negev,Israel
Photo credit: © yoel harel / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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