Fortress of Machaerus
Fortress of Machaerus things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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It's a strong fortress ruled by Harold Antipas who had beheaded John the Baptist. Prior to 1968, the hilltop of Machaerus, overlooking the Dead Sea near Mount Nebo was an untouched “virgin” site, according to Hungarian archaeologist Gyozo Voros. Speaking at the “Book Launch and Public Lecture Machaerus III” event at American Centre of Oriental Research on Wednesday, Voros said that 50 years of excavation had finally uncovered a mountain of evidence on one of the most important sites in the region. Machaerus is a strategic citadel-fortress protecting Jerusalem on the eastern side of the River Jordan, said Voros. The archaeologist, who is a member of the Hungarian Academy of Arts, has been directing excavations in the Middle East for 25 years now. With this discovery, Voros said that Machaerus, once lost for more than 1,735 years, has become a historical reality. The great magnificent biblical site sits over an area of approximately 5,000 square metres, he added. Accumulated wall-debris above the Herodian floor level is estimated at two metres in height, continued Voros, saying that excavations revealed 10,000 cubic metres of debris. Evidence pointing to the existence of the citadel-fortress existed long before our discovery, the professor said. Hence, the team of researchers have been studying previously unknown Machaerus archaeological materials in several storerooms, including Amman, Madaba, Mount Nebo, Jerusalem and Starkville, Mississippi, in the US, he underlined. Then, the experts began excavating to establish the chronology of the monument’s different phases and the stratigraphy of its archaeological layers, according to Voros. Works were aimed at reconstructing the Machaerus citadel in light of Hasmonean and Herodian architecture in the West Bank, and the archaeological evidence from first century written sources. The Hasmoneans and Herodians were dynasties that ruled the Judean and Edomite kingdoms in the west and east banks of the Jordan River, respectively, around the first and second centuries BCE through the era of Roman conquest in today’s Palestine and Jordan. Combined, the information gathered allows researchers to execute possible anastyloses [a reconstruction technique] of the original building, Voros explained. Afterwards, the team continued with the conservation, consolidation and preservation process of the monument, with a sustainable site management programme, engaging the local community, the professor outlined. “However, the definitive goal of our scientific project is to leave Machaerus for the next generations as an authentic and reliable historical and archaeological place, but most importantly, as a Christian pilgrim site”, Voros highlighted. The idea of the scholars was “to situate the archaeological site in its New Testament context, and reconstruct it as clearly as possible in the light of 21st century historical, architectural and archaeological research”. Josephus (a Philo-Roman Jewish historian 37 AD-100 AD) described Machaerus in detail, while the citadel was first identified by German explorer Ulrich Jasper Seetzen in 1807 and the lower city by the French-Dominican Father Felix-Marie Abel in 1909, Voros said. “We should not forget though that Christian pilgrimages to the Holy Land had only been initiated by the time of the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, and by that time, Machaerus was already a deserted [two-and-a-half-century-old] place,” he noted. “It became a destination for the pilgrims only after its 19th century rediscovery, and the archaeological excavations started in 1968,’’ the Hungarian archaeologist underlined.
Marwan Shwaihat (unprofessionalchef1959)Marwan Shwaihat (unprofessionalchef1959)
00
Many people told me it was not worth the extra drive & time. That there was nothing to see, just a couple pillars that were placed there, and a floor, that's it... BUT we took our tour and we loved it! The view is absolutely amazing! When you see the location and the surrounding topography with your own eyes it was very obvious why the Fortress of Machearus & later Herod's palace was built there with it's commanding view and natural 360 degree defensive position! Then to understand the history of the Herod's, that included Philip & Antipas, and Antipas married to the Nabatean King Aretas' daughter, then divorcing her for his brother Philip's wife Herodias and the resulting war that Herod lost.... Then the Bible study from Luke 3:1-2 that historically gives all the tetrarches and the reason Herod Antipas was there...then Matt 14:1-5, giving the reason why John the Baptist was imprisoned there, then Matt 12:2-6, that tells of John's desire to ensure Jesus was truly the Messiah, and the compassionate response Jesus sent back, (but did not go back to set him free or to save his physical life), and lastly back to Matt 14:6-12, and the beheading of John the Baptist. From all this we have three Christian Life lessons: 1. There are sometimes costs for standing for righteousness. (See Foxe's Book of Martyrs) 2. It's understandable to sometimes doubt, but WHEN we do, just like Jesus sent confirmation to John by reassuring him that He was fulfilling Isaiah 61:1-2, go back to God's word to reaffirm your faith. 3. God has a purpose for your life! John fulfilled the purpose for his life, to fulfill Isaiah 40:3-4 & Malachi 3:1-3, 4:5-6. What is God's purpose for your life?!
Rick NerudRick Nerud
30
Machaerus Fortress for History Lovers Located on a promontory east of the Dead Sea, the Fortress of Machaerus is a significant historical site that offers a glimpse into the region’s rich past. For tourists who love history, this ancient fortress is a must-visit destination. It was built by Alexander Jannaeus, the second Hasmonean king of Judaea, around 90 BC, and was initially used as a strategic outpost. It was eventually used as a base for Aristobulus II’s resistance against the Romans. King Herod would rebuild and expand the fortress. Josephus writes about John the Baptist’s Final Days. He was imprisoned and eventually beheaded at Machaerus. This event, recorded in the New Testament, adds a poignant layer of significance to the site. The site has also yielded numerous artifacts, providing valuable insights into the daily lives of ancient inhabitants. Today, you can explore the ruins of Machaerus, and take in stunning views of the Dead Sea and the surrounding landscape. There is s small shop to purchase drinks. Be prepared for an aggressive uphill walk to the top of the site. Tips for Visitors Combine your visit to Machaerus with other nearby historical sites; I visited Machaerus and Umm Al Rasas in the same day. And remember to bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes, as the site is exposed to the sun and there is no shaded areas. Also, the terrain can be uneven so bring the proper footwear. Take your time to absorb the history and significance of this ancient fortress, and don’t hesitate to ask your guide or tour operator about the site’s rich past.
Hassan AlyassinHassan Alyassin
00
Machaerus (Μαχαιροῦς, from Ancient Greek: μάχαιρα "Makhaira" (a sword) is a fortified hilltop Palace located in Jordan (24 km) Southeast of the mouth of the Jordan River on the Eastern side of the Dead Sea. According to FLAVIUS JOSEPHUS, it is the location of the imprisonment and Execution of JOHN the BAPTIST. This infamous Execution took place in 32 AD shortly before the Passover, following an imprisonment of two years. The site also provides the setting for four additional New Testament characters: HEROD the Great & his son TETRACH HERODANTIPAS & his second wife & Princess HERODIAS & and her daughter, Princess SALOME. Wikipedia. Ruins on top of the hill, be prepared for an uphill walk to the site with magnificent view of the Dead Sea & Jerusalem Hieghts .
Hanna AstephanHanna Astephan
00
The fortess built originally by Alexander jannaeus in first century BC Then herod the Great enlarged the fortress and built a palace inside The place linked to the story of the Prophet Yahya bin Zakaria (johhrn the Baptist) beheading. In70 A.D the fortress destroyed by the Roman legate Gabinios under the authority of the emperor Titus. The archaeological excvations and restoration works have been carried out jointly by the Department of Antiquities and the Franciscan Archaeological Institute since 1995
Nabeel AlnazerNabeel Alnazer
10
Magnificent view. You should definitely spare some time to walk all the way to the top of the ruins of the fortress. Its a bit slippery with small rocks and could be a bit tiring for those who are physically inactive; but its totally worth it! Amazing view up there and during the hike. Bring a water bottle and your camera! For those with biblical background, this is said to be the place where Herod the Great built his fortress and where John the Baptist was imprisoned and later beheaded.
Cherry LauCherry Lau
10
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HJ8F+XPM, Madaba, Jordan
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Machaerus was a Hasmonean hilltop palace and desert fortress, now in ruins, located in the village of Mukawir in modern-day Jordan, 25 km southeast of the mouth of the Jordan river on the eastern side of the Dead Sea.
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