Jericho, Shepherds Field, Qumron, and Massada

                     
                      Walls of Jericho? Where is Jericho? Just a hop and skip from Bethlehem

but first a tree....

A Sycamore Tree- couldn't find any short men around

no one named Zacheus anywhere

Looks vaugley like ones seen in the US

Likely the Wilderness where Jesus fasted for 

forty days and nights. Probably 1/2 mile from where 

we were standing. A few caves are visible.

Now we were able to see the ruins of the original

Jericho.  Wonder how accurate this claim is?

Archeological Excavations of the old city

 it was quite a small town

It overlooked a fertile valley with citrus groves

Mud brick construction is visible to the naked eye

Sorry they don't show up well... 

A monument at the Shepherds Field

Wonder if they irrigate this field?

Modern street re-paving in Jericho

Lunch overlooking the Western bank of the Dead Sea

Yes, some of the folks were just floating around.....

not because of the local wine either.

More excavation showing mud brick construction. Excavations are 

often done in 5 meter blocks financed by the workers themselves

               Qumron -who would have ever guessed this cave would contain the scrolls that had an                     almost exact copy if Isaiah!

Closer shot: Dead Sea Scrolls

Now just down the road a ways: The Essenes lived 

at the tabletop fortress Massada -built by Herod the Great until 

the Romans came to besiege them. Modern cable car to the top

Jesus was apparently quite friendly with the Essenes

The Seige ramp built by the Romans to attack Massada

Elaborate construction including a water gathering system from the 

infrequent gully washer rains

Mosaics 

 

A small water passage of the extensive water 

gathering system which included a very large cistern