Exploring Day 2

Today we explored Masada, which was the ancient stronghold located on the southwest side of the Dead Sea. Masada is perched up over 1200 ft above the Dead Sea with an extremely steep trail called "The Snake Path" leading up to its entrance (which provides quite a workout to walk up!). The site was renovated and developed by Herod the Great, and eventually occupied by those who fled from Jerusalem during its fall around 70 AD. The Jewish occupancy was then overcome by a Roman besiegement, which was accomplished by building and using a large siege ramp on the west side of the city.

We also visited BeerSheba which was a place Abraham dwelt during his journeying through Canaan. The tell we explored featured a peculiar basement dating to the 8th or 9th century BC. It's possible that this basement represents an old temple within the city that was removed as a result of religious reforms in Judah (likely under Hezekiah).
--Ethan Cole

In the Negev desert we stopped at a place to have our Bedouin experience. We rode camels, two people on each, and walked in the desert to a large tent. We were served tea, coffee, and bread while we learned about Beadouin culture.

We ate lunch and explored the ruins of Arad. This ancient Israelite settlement had a large citadel atop a hill overseeing the countryside. Within this citadel was an Israelite temple built according to the instructions in Exodus, complete with the altar and the holy of holies.
--Ben Puckett