BEIT GUVRIN-MARESHA

KOHANIM CAUTION!!! One of the caves contains tombs.

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YouTube

(my videos from this travel)

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Details

Maresha ~~~ Google Maps

Beit Gurvin ~~~ Google Maps Bell Caves ~~~ Google Maps

Duration 3-4HR

-There are many caves in the area.

-There is also a cave network used by Bar Kochba during his revolt.

-There are a lot of ruins from the Roman city of Eleutheropolis.

- There is an activity center called 'Dig For A Day' where people can 'participate' in an archeological dig, including children, for 72-95 Shekel. (I personally have not done it, but I have heard positive feedback from it)

History

-Maresha is a city that is mentioned a few times in Nach. After the Churban Beis Rishon, the city became Non-Jewish, until it was captured by Yochanan Hyrcanus AKA Yochanan Cohen Gadol. In 40 BC the Parthians completely destroyed the city, after which it was never rebuilt. A new city was built right next to the ruins of Maresha, it was called Beit Guvrin. It was destroyed by Hadrian after the Bar Kochba Revolt. Then it was rebuilt as a Roman city, called Eleutheropolis, the 'city of freemen'.

- There are caves here that were used for raising birds. It is likely that these birds were raised for Karbonos for the Beis Hamikdash.

​Archeological	5/5
Historical	4/5
Nature	4/5
Views	3/5

The holes in the walls, is where they raised birds.

This bird was utilising this ancient architecture.

There are so many of these caves, that it is theorized that these birds were being raised for Karbonos.

There are nice views here.

There are a few incredible cave complexes here.

Some were used by Bar Kachba.

Olive press in another cave.

Another cave has Fancy (Not-Jewish) tombs.

Eleutheropolis

The amphitheater.