We went to Tel Dan, identified with the Biblical city of Dan, the northernmost city in the Kingdom of Israel and known as Laish prior to its conquest by the tribe of Dan (Judges 18). It is a lush, beautiful place with lots of foliage, flowers, springs, flowing water, and a very refreshing wading pool! Including in the remains is the only mud brick arched gate in existence . . . for those interested. Jeroboam set up a cultic site here (I Kings 12). Got a photo of Nat rummaging through this site. From north facing embattlement trenches and a lookout, we saw the remains of a destroyed Syrian tank from one of the wars.
Our next stop was another favorite of mine, and mentioned in the gospels of Matthew & Mark. Caesarea Philippi, named for Caesar Augustus & Herod's third son, Philip. The territory first belonged to Cleopatra, but the beautiful remains are attributed to the Herod Family. Say what you want about Herod the Great & Sons, but they were absolutely ingenious when it came to building palaces! Caesarea Philippi reminded me of Petra, as the remains we saw are carved into the red rock mountain . . . absolutely stunning! Caesarea Philippi wasn't anything like I had pictured it in my mind all these years . . .
1 comment:
After all of your walking and climbing I imagine your tootsies appreciated that refreshing wading pool.
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