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Tel Arad National Park
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Tel Arad National Park

The Negev travel guide

Get to know Tel Arad National Park

Canaanite water plant from the early bronze ages Remains of early bronze era fortifications A citadel from the iron age with a unique temple 

Overnight parking -the Canaanite Khan:
Flowering concentration of brown iris and loess soil vegetation. 

At the beginning of Canaan’s urbanization period, Canaanite Arad was already a planned city. It is surrounded by a wall and is divided into residential and public buildings. Arad was an urban center for the residents of the area. The richness of the findings found in the excavations shows a variety of economic branches such as husbandry, grazing, art and commerce. Arad was a well-developed place. Here are some of the main sites: 

The water reservoir: 

The houses in the city were built in such a way that the rainwater that trickled down the slope was collected in a reservoir surrounded by buildings on three sides. A 16 m deep well was dug in the center of the reservoir, probably in the early Israeli period. The east of the reservoir remains open, where the dam was built to stop the runoff. 

The fortifications: 

In addition to its 1,200 m long and 2.4 m thick walls, Arad the Canaanite was surrounded by a strong wall. Originally, the wall was five meters high. It was covered in bugs, had towers protruding from it, and followed the watershed of the hill. It is known today that there was only one gate in the wall, but it is possible that there were more. 

The residences: 

There was a uniform style of building houses in Arad known as the Aradi house. It was built with stone benches along the walls, and the floor was lower than the street level, so one or more steps were necessary to enter it. It is a transverse stone structure whose floor was lower than the street level. A wooden pole was placed in the center of each hall to support a flat roof on a stone base. On the side of the central hall there were sometimes a side room or two, which were probably used as a storeroom and a kitchen. Only the foundations of the walls survived from the Arad houses, and a small clay model of a house discovered in the excavations helps to complete the picture. The model is on display at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. 

The “palace”:

Its location between the western city gate and the water reservoir suggests it served as a governmental complex with many rooms, cells, and courtyards. Its center contains important finds, including a ritual stele. 

The temples: 

Two large temples, two small temples, and a single temple were found near the palace, surrounded by a stone fence. Similar temples were found in Ein Gedi (Chalcolithic period) and Megiddo (Early Bronze Age). Similar to Bet Aradi, the temples have wide rooms with courtyards. The temples are surrounded by stone tombstones, platforms for sacrificing animals, and ritual basins. There may be several gods worshiped by the multiplicity of temples. 

Citadel Hill 

As a link in the fortress system of Judah, the citadel on the site is a fortified structure (50×55 m). Arad was home to 6 citadels during the royal period, this one on top of the previous one. It was discovered that the citadel had a unique temple and a unique water plant. The Nature and Parks Authority restored and conserved the temple and prepared a path to the water plant for visitors. 

The temple: 

There were traces of a Jewish temple in the northwestern corner of the citadel, which operated during the same period as the temple in Jerusalem, from the 9th century to the end of the 8th century BC. In addition to being one of the few temples from the biblical period, Arad’s temple was designed in accordance with the Tabernacle plan, and it had an inner courtyard, a hall, and a sanctuary – the Holy of Holies. A square altar in the courtyard is composed of dirt mixed with small stones, surrounded by field stones (unhewn stones). According to the biblical commandment, this altar does not contain stones that were hewn with metal tools. There are three steps to the Devir, which is located west of the courtyard. There are two altars of incense at the entrance to Devir, and a tombstone is inside. An ostrakon (pottery with inscriptions) was found near the temple that listed the names of priestly families mentioned in the Scriptures (Mermot, Ezra 8:33, and Pashhur, Jeremiah 6:1). It appears that the temple was abandoned in the 8th century BC. As the citadel continued to serve its purpose, it was completely covered in dirt. A possible explanation is the religious reform of King Hezekiah and Yeshua, who centralized worship in Jerusalem by abolishing worship in the cities of the field. At the same time, Tel Bar’s altar was also dismantled seven times. 

The water plant: 

Near the temple are three carved and plastered spaces accessible by a channel cut into the rock. Part of the staircase leading to them has been preserved. The spaces are impressive. They are accessible through a channel cut into the western wall. Near Beit Elyashiv’s southern wall, a cache of ostracos, most of which are written in ancient Hebrew script, has been found. The house contained 17 ostracones addressed to a man named Eliashiv, probably the commander of Tel Arad’s citadel. Three seals bearing his name were also found there. 

Overnight parking – The Canaanite Khan :

There are six accommodation pavilions, a private tent area, and a caravan area on the parking lot for the Hellenes, as well as a closed building with mattresses and heating. Among the amenities in the parking lot are drinking water, toilets, hot showers, a cooking area, outdoor lighting, and electricity outlets.

Exploring the Negev and Sde Boker in Israel

Exploring the Negev and Sde Boker in Israel

If you’re looking for a unique, off-the-beaten-path adventure in Israel, look no further than Sde Boker and the surrounding Negev Desert. With its stunning landscapes and rich history, this hidden gem is sure to leave you with memories that will last a lifetime. Here’s why you should plan a trip to the Negev today. What You'll Find at Sde Boker Sde Boker is located in southern Israel, about an hour and a half from Be’er Sheva. It was founded in 1952 by Prime Minister David Ben Gurion who wanted to make the desert bloom. As such, it is home to a kibbutz as well as an archaeological dig site, where visitors can explore ancient stone structures and artifacts dating back centuries. The area also features several trails for hiking and biking, including one which follows the Zin Valley. And if you’re looking for something more relaxing, there are also plenty of nearby nature reserves to explore. History at Sde Boker The area around Sde Boker has been inhabited since prehistoric times and many ancient artifacts have been discovered here. In addition, the area was an important location during biblical times—it was here that Moses and his people passed through on their way from Egypt to Canaan—and this makes it an ideal destination for those interested in religious history. There are even ruins of an old synagogue located near Sde Boker that date back to the Second Temple period (530 BCE–70 CE). The Kedma Hotel Sde Boker There are a variety of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered in the enchanting Negev Desert, thanks to its stunning natural beauty, pollution-free arid climate, and stunning natural beauty. With 163 warm, welcoming rooms and suites in an expansive open-air courtyard surrounded by lush fruit trees and beautiful plants, Kedna is a beautiful awe-inspiring hotel. In the many quiet corners of the grounds, this layout, which evokes days gone by, blends seamlessly with the surrounding scenery and offers a great deal of rest and relaxation. Enjoy the water and shaded areas of this glorious oasis and feel refreshed and rejuvenated when you leave. Additionally, the hotel offers an authentic desert-style restaurant, a luxurious spa with Turkish bath, a peaceful heated pool, a well-equipped fitness room, and plenty of relaxed areas for unwinding after a fun-packed day. Activities Nearby In addition to exploring Sde Boker itself, visitors can take part in all sorts of activities close by. For example, just south of Sde Boker lies Ein Avdat National Park which features beautiful canyons and waterfalls, perfect for swimming or just taking time out to enjoy some peace and quiet away from civilization. Alternatively, those looking for some excitement can head east towards Mitzpe Ramon Crater National Park where they will find numerous caves as well as panoramic views of the desert landscape below them. Or if you're feeling really adventurous why not try skydiving over Eilat? No matter what your interests may be there's something nearby that's sure to pique your interest! Visiting Sde Boker is a fantastic way to get off the beaten path and explore some of Israel’s most breathtaking scenery while learning more about its rich history along the way. Whether you choose to spend your days relaxing among nature or exploring ancient ruins and medieval sites, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience when visiting Sde Boker and the Negev Desert! So pack your bags now; this is one journey not worth missing!

Come to visit Ben-Gurion Desert Home

Come to visit Ben-Gurion Desert Home

The Desert Home of Israel’s first Prime Minister, David Ben-Gurion, and his wife Paula, in Kibbutz Sde Boker is a national heritage site. You can visit their Desert Home to see what it was like for Ben-Gurion to live there as a leader and public figure. You can also see his study with a library of 5,000 books. Before you go into the museum, there is a short movie about the life of David Ben-Gurion. He was a man who had a vision for the Negev Desert. There are three different sections in the museum that tell you more about him and his views. The first section is called "The Gypsum house" and it is about the first house that was built on the kibbutz. The second section is called "The Test of time" and it is an interactive activity for the whole family. The last section is called "Leadership exhibition: Who is a leader?" and it is a short film about different aspects of Ben-Gurion's leadership.

Sand surfing, surf on a dune with a board!

Sand surfing, surf on a dune with a board!

In 2012, Dror introduced sand surfing to Israel in the Negev Mountain's spectacular dunes. *We will be happy to host in the desert in a shaded area including: mats, mattresses and pillows, water and herbal tea, suitable music and a lot of love for the desert. The sand on which you will surf and play is soft as silk. It comes from the Sahara desert through the Nile in Sinai and is found only in three places in Israel, including this dune. Surfing is for everyone with us, no previous experience required. Family and group experiences are available for children and grandparents alike. The sport of surfing can be done in a variety of ways on sand boards, including in pairs. Please call in advance for more details: 08-6753636.

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