Avdat

Avdat or “Ovdat” is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Israel which houses the pretty remains of an ancient Nabatean city later inhabited by the Romans, the Byzantines, and the Arabs. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2005 as one of four Desert Cities of the Incense Route. Avdat was founded around the 3rd century BC, and quickly became one of the most important cities on the trading route known as the Incense Route which ran from the Mediterranean to south Arabia. Behind Petra, it was the second most important city on the route for around 800 years. The main commodities along this route were frankincense, myrrh, and spices.

Avdat prospered under the Nabateans from 30 BC to 9 BC, during the reign of King Aretas IV, but needed to be rebuilt after it was destroyed by Arab tribes in the late 1st century BC. This was carried out under Nabatean King Rabbel. However, in 106 AD, during Rabbel’s reign, Avdat was captured by the Romans, who built a military camp and bathhouse on the site.

Avdat remained prosperous throughout the Byzantine period, but an earthquake in 630 AD seriously damaged the city. Only a few years later, the city was taken by Arab forces.

In addition to well-preserved fortifications, the ruins at Avdat include a caravanserai, homes, a Roman military camp, fourth-century churches, a street, and a bathhouse. Many of the ruins are Roman, but the Nabatean influence can still be seen, including the ruin of a temple. The visitor center is next to the petrol station on Route 40: there’s a relatively useful film on the history of the Incense Route which is shown regularly. From the visitor center, you can walk or drive up a steep path to the ruins of the ancient city itself. There’s plenty to explore and it is a remarkable sight – it’s not normally too crowded, and if you go early or late you may well get the place (virtually) to yourself.