Page 37 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition
P. 37
Tel Dan. Below: Bet Shearim.
Photos: Manu Grinspan
to be buried here in the 3rd century CE, it Mount Gilboa, the Philistines displayed his body Practical Travel Information
became the most prestigious burial place in on the walls of Beit She'an (1 Samuel 31). The The best seasons to explore northern Israel are
the Jewish world. multi-layered tel (archaeological mound) reveals spring (March–May) and autumn (September–
evidence of Egyptian, Canaanite, Israelite, November), when mild weather and lush
Visitors can explore dozens of burial caves Greek, and Roman occupation, illustrating the landscapes make for comfortable travel.
with their ornate sarcophagi (stone coffins), strategic importance of this junction between
intricate decorations, and inscriptions in the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority offers
Hebrew, Aramaic, Palmyrene, and Greek. multi-site passes, providing excellent value
The catacombs' scale and artistic quality Megiddo (Armageddon) for those planning to visit multiple national
reflect the vibrant Jewish culture that Commanding the ancient trade route parks and archaeological sites.
flourished here despite Roman rule. UNESCO connecting Egypt with Mesopotamia, Megiddo Independent travelers will find the Israel
recognized this unique heritage by declaring witnessed countless decisive battles over three Pass a smart choice, combining park access
Beit She'arim a World Heritage Site in 2015. millennia. Its strategic importance explains why with public transportation benefits.
this site is mentioned numerous times in the
Crossroads of Empires: Beit She'an and Bible and why Revelation 16:16 identifies it as Northern Israel’s highlights are easily
Megiddo Armageddon - location of history's final battle. reached from major hubs like Tiberias,
Nazareth, and Haifa, whether by rental car,
Beit She'an Visitors can explore layer upon layer of
Perhaps Israel's most impressive Roman- civilizations, from Canaanite temples to King ✦group tours, or local buses.
Byzantine city, Beit She'an stuns visitors with Solomon's gates and stables (according to one
its scale and preservation. The monumental interpretation) and impressive water systems.
colonnaded streets, massive theater seating The highlight for many is the ingenious water
thousands, elaborate bathhouse complex, tunnel carved through bedrock to secure the
and public buildings create an immersive city's supply during sieges. From Megiddo's
experience of life under Roman and summit, the sweeping views across the fertile
Byzantine rule. Jezreel Valley help visitors appreciate why
this location remained crucial throughout
The site holds biblical significance as well. ancient history.
Following their victory over King Saul at nearby
HOLY LAND l 37
