Our first stop today was at the Bet She'an National Park. This is the largest archeological dig in Israel. So far this week, we have seen many such sites, but this has by far been to most fascinating to me. Twenty-eight civilizations have been identified here dating back to the Stone Age five thousand years ago. King Saul and his sons were killed here (I Samuel 31). The surrounding area included bathhouses, a theater, public latrines, varous public buildings and temples. The latrines were rather interesting. 
There are solid stones protruding from the walls about 18 inches four inches apart. A ditch runs the length of the wall. To make use of the facilities, one would sit between two of the stones and water would be used to rinse everything away. We took a group photo of many of us sitting on the latrines. 
Mt Gilboa is the site where King Saul was defeated. There is a pathway snaking up to the top made of stone steps. Several of us made this climb. It was a tough hike, but everyone who started up made it to the top. We were rewarded with beautiful views of the valley of Hagai and the entire city of Bet She'an. This was a wonderful stop. Well worth the trek up the hill.
There are solid stones protruding from the walls about 18 inches four inches apart. A ditch runs the length of the wall. To make use of the facilities, one would sit between two of the stones and water would be used to rinse everything away. We took a group photo of many of us sitting on the latrines. 
Mt Gilboa is the site where King Saul was defeated. There is a pathway snaking up to the top made of stone steps. Several of us made this climb. It was a tough hike, but everyone who started up made it to the top. We were rewarded with beautiful views of the valley of Hagai and the entire city of Bet She'an. This was a wonderful stop. Well worth the trek up the hill. 
Our next stop was Megiddo-or Armeggedon. This was situated in a strategic area that was the intersection between military and trade routes, so many battles were fought here in order to have control of this important area. There have been twenty civilizations uncovered here dating from 3500 BC through the final distruction in 450 BC. This is another large excavation area. They have discovered many important historical sites here including Solomon's Chariot City, ruins of palaces and temples, and many ancient artifacts. We walked down into the water system that was discovered here. For some reason, these underground sojourns tend to fascinate me the most. I am amazed that such a long time ago, these people could build enormous structures and dig several feet down into stone without the aid of all the heavy machinery that we have today. And we whine about mowing the grass.
On the way into Jerusalem, we took an unscheduled stop in Joppa. Went down a side street and view the door that was once Simon the Tanner's home. Funny-that's all we looked at-the door. A family lives there now, but it is marked as Simon's house. We also stopped to look at a fountain of a whale-commemorates Jonah.
We drove on into Jerusalem and checked into the Olive Tree Hotel Where we will stay for the remainder of our trip. It was a great day. Soooo tired, but it's a good tired.
Tomorrow is The Mount of Olives, Bethlehem and Gethsemane.
Goodnight.
No comments:
Post a Comment