Herodian

NileGuide Expert tip:

Don't miss walking through the underground escape tunnels.

Description:

• Herod was a master builder who lived between 37-4 BCE and was responsible for building the Second Temple in Jerusalem.  Somewhere between 20-23 BCE Herod decided to build a summer palace and he found a hill about 6 miles south of Jerusalem, which he topped off and built a complex of cisterns and annexes for his family and friends.  After his death and a period where Herod's son ran things, the Romans took over and the site became a battleground between the Jewish zealots and the Romans--the Jews built a system of ritual baths and underground tunnels to use during their revolt against the Romans and those may still be seen today.  `a few years ago, Herod's tomb was discovered at the site and today Herodian is part of Israel's National Parks system.  It's a great place for hiking and exploring, with spectacular views toward Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
  
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