Very old Cities

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A few days ago, we went to the ruins of a 3,000 year old village where Isaac is said to have lived. It is SO amazing because you can see where the houses were and you can even see the plaster. We got hard hats and were able to go underground. We were in a big cave and at felt like we were walking through a Disney ride - only it was real! There was a dust storm that day and the wind was SO big it blew my hard hat off my head! The ruins we went to were called Tel Be’er Sheva.
Yesterday, we went to Mamshit. It is walled on all sides and was built in the first century CE. It was part of the Petra-Gaza spice route that went from India to Rome. It was simply fantastic because everything was in amazing condition. You could actually feel you were walking in an ancient village instead of its ruins. Some of the houses even had some of the original wooden roof beams. There was a bath house, a stable, a church and a mansion. In the mansion, there was this staircase. Under one of the steps, was an urn with 150 silver coins inside. They believe it was the rich dude’s savings but one question remains…why did he leave it? (It is in a museum now…not at the site.)
Later, I saw a camel caravan and lots of “Caution Camel Crossing” signs.

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Photos

Mamshit Western Chruch
Babtisim chamber

Mamshit Western Church
Me by the babtisim chamber.

Mamshit
from a house in the ruins

mamshit
Pigeons on the ruins.

Mamshit Western Church
Carving from the Church

The Nabatu House
The largest hosue in the city. Dating from between 75 abd 200 CE.

Mamshit
The view from the city walls.

Mamshit, Eastern Church
The city has two Churches. This one had a monastary. Built before 427 CE

Mamshit
Me as a Nabatean city dweller. (The Nabateans built the city).

Mamshit
Stairs where hidden treasure was found.

mamshit
In one of the houses.

Comments

[Ken Kaye]

These pictures are incredible. This is a wonderful experience and I am very happy for you all.

[Martha]

Thank you for sharing this blog with me. What a great experience you and your family are having.

[Sammie Haynes]

Hi Emily!
Thank you for sharing this very interesting tour with me! Your writing is beautiful as are the photos. I miss you and your family. What's new? xo sammie

[emtheklutz]

That's so cool! I would love to be in your shoes, but I'm not. Still, I plan to tell you about my experience in Europe. I guess my town is kind of old...if you think 200 years old is kind of old...still, pretty cool!:)

[Cathy A]

This is all very interesting. But you tell us a little more about where you are living and what your typical day is like? When do you get up? What do you do? What do you eat?