<< Feature Articles >> Israel - Explore the historical places in the country
Submitted by Andy B on Wednesday, 29 July 2015 Page Views: 3581
ResourcesCountry: Israel
Archaeologists from all over the world frequently conduct archaeological digs and surveys so no historical site seems to remain undiscovered for long. When you come to Israel, you have various travel options. The best will be to rent car in Israel to visit all the sacred and historical destinations of this beautiful, lively country.
Let’s take a look at some of the major historical places in Israel:
Masada: This is an ancient fortress which overlooks the Dead Sea. Visitors can reach the top of this fortress with the help of cable cars. Apart from this, there are hiking paths which will help hikers to enjoy a great journey to the top of the fortress. You can use your rent car in Israel in order to reach the foothills of this fortress. One of the most popular tourist sites in Israel, the sound and light show in this place at night will tell you the story of the revolt by the Jewish families against the mighty Romans.
Megiddo: Megiddo is known all over the world for its long and bloody history. You will find a museum here which is known for its reconstructions as well as an audio visual presentation, learn about the palace, Solomon’s Gate, Late Bronze Age gate, etc.
Beit Guvrin-Maresha: This place is also known as land of thousand caves. It encompasses vast areas in the Judean lowlands. People, since days immemorial, have cut into the rocks to make various networks of burial caves, bell-shaped quarries, hideouts, storerooms, industrial facilities, etc. It should also be remembered that this place became important during the Crusader area.
City of David: Visiting the City of David will provide you with a great view of the Mount Zion and the temple Mount. You should definitely rent car in Israel and visit this city. You can visit the underground tunnels here. The guides available here will help you with the process and you will learn how this city was inhabited by people more than 5,000 years ago.
Herodion: This is the place where the remains of the tomb of Herod the Great were found. It was discovered in the year 2007, after 35 years of digging. This place is considered to be one of the great royal sites of the Roman-Hellenist area. During the Bar Kochba revolt, this place acted as a hideout for the rebels.
Ramat Rachael: This place is known for the ancient reservoir that has been discovered here in the year 2007. Of late, it is known for the kibbutz and conference centre located in this area. Some of the other archaeological finds in this region include a Roman Villa, a luxurious Assyrian palace, gold coins from the Second Temple Period, a bathhouse, a Byzantine church, etc.
Tzippori: This is considered to be the traditional birthplace of Mary. This place was conquered by Herod in 37 BCE. However, 33 years later, this place was destroyed by the Romans. It is also considered to be the preferred residence of Talmudic sages until the mid-fourth century CE.Moreover, archaeologists have also found an evidence of earthquake in this area thousands of years back after which the city was rebuilt.
Beit She’an: This place was inhabited by people more than 5,000 years ago. This region is extremely fertile. During Alexander’s rule, this place became a Greek polis and had all modern facilities and amenities of the time. Jews, pagans as well as Samaritans lived here. An earthquake hit this place in 749 BC after which the place was rebuilt.
Gamla Nature Reserve: This place is situated in the Golan Heights (central region). This is known for the combination of nature and history so it is a traveller’s delight. This place is the home to the highest waterfall in Israel, rare species of Giffron vultures, and also one of the oldest synagogues in the world. While visiting the waterfall here, travellers can see “dolmens” which are actually table shaped stone burial monuments which were constructed more than 4,000 years ago. Apart from this, unearthed ruins of a synagogue, a ritual bath, arrows, ballista balls, etc. can be found here. In this place, you will also find a memorial in the reserve which was constructed to pay tribute to the Golan’s first settlers who were killed in Israel’s wars.
These are our top recommendations for places to visit in this country, you can find hundreds more ancient sites in Israel on the Megalithic Portal. Why not rent a car in Israel and go off to visit all these lovely, enthralling historical places. It will be a trip you'll never forget.
This article was produced in association with Shlomo SIXT car rental, many thanks for their support.
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