Resistance was particularly strong in the Galilee and Herod took brutal steps to put down the rebellion.
Steep steps used by the Jewish cliff dwellers on Mount Arbel
Eventually most of the Jewish opposition was defeated, but Herod’s soldiers could not reach the Jews of Arbel who were living in well-fortified caves in the side of the extremely steep cliffs.
Ultimately the Roman soldiers lowered themselves down from the top of the cliffs (like window washers in skyscrapers would do today) and they killed most of the Jews.
The survivors leaped to their deaths rather than being taken captive by the Romans.
Two thousand years later the Romans are gone and the Jews are back in their flourishing Land, and Arbel is a national park in the State of Israel.
Many tour groups come to visit this vista, but the adventurous among you can lower yourselves down the face of the cliff with built-in handles and footholds… but it’s not for the weak-hearted.
Thanks to Michelle Masser for this stunning picture below:
3 Comments
Debbie · March 5, 2016 at 8:04 am
Mt. Arbel was one of my husband’s favorite places when we were so blessed to visit Israel. Everything was so fascinating for us to see many places we read about in the Bible. We love and support Israel!
Nili N Arnie Abrahams · March 6, 2016 at 2:01 pm
HI Debbie, thanks for your comment. Yes. Israel is the best and we thank you for your love and support! <3
Linda Ben-David · March 7, 2024 at 7:09 pm
My husband and I have lived both in Tiberias and on the Golan Heights back in 2022. Stunning landscape. We both love it ! We are mostly vegeterians and Israel has a broad verity of vegetables and fruits!
Love Israel!