Foto: Het Romeinse theater in Beit Shean (bron: Ronald van der Veer)
Israel - I continue by bus toward the Dead Sea. It is clearly noticeable that I am descending again to 400 meters below sea level. Just before reaching the Dead Sea, I arrive at Beit She'an. Beit She'an is an ancient city dating back to the Early Bronze Age. As I walk up, I see a large archaeological site at the foot of a tel (hill). This must once have been an important city. I walk past the bathhouses and, as in Masada, I see the structure of underfloor heating. By circulating warm air beneath the floor, the surface was heated. Along the main wide streets of Beit She'an stand rows of columns. These are cardo streets designed according to Roman urban planning. The city was heavily damaged by a major earthquake in 749 AD. Fortunately, part of it has been restored in its original form. I end my tour of Beit She'an with the Roman theatre. It once held 7,000 spectators. Today only the first tier has been restored, but from here I can truly see how magnificent it must have been. A performance in this location must have been an extraordinary experience.
Disputed Jerusalem
Israel - Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel. Jerusalem has a mixed Jewish and Arab population and is a highly sensitive issue in international politics and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. East Jerusalem was captured by Israeli forces in 1967 and ...
Herods fortress of Masada
Israel - On the southern side of the Dead Sea lies Masada. Masada is an ancient fortress from the time of Herod, around the beginning of the Common Era. During the Roman siege of the fortress, the defenders held out for three years. When the Romans finally broke ...
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem
Israel - After lunch, I continue my journey through Jerusalem and walk to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This impressive church is built on the site where Jesus was nailed to the cross on the hill of Golgotha. The nearby tomb is also part of this church today. ...
The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem
Israel - When I enter the Church of the Nativity, a procession is taking place. Everyone is asked to be silent, and I have to wait before I can visit the church. The church consists of an upper and a lower church. The lower church is built around the birthplace ...
The Negev Desert
Israel - Viraz, the bus driver, drives the bus from the airport into the desert. I see a barren, hilly landscape. Along the roadside, several tanks with soldiers are stationed. I am likely travelling very close to the border with Jordan. As we continue through ...
The Western Wall
Israel - At the end of the Via Dolorosa, I arrive at the Western Wall. The Western Wall lies against the western side of the Temple Mount. Here, the Jews lament the destruction of their temple on the mount. It is the only visible remaining wall after the destruction ...