The Herodium
From Bethlehem on a relatively clear day, one can look to the southeast and notice an interesting geographic feature on the horizon. This feature is one of the building triumphs of Herod the Great: The Herodium
In constructing this desert fortress, Herod really flexed his architectural muscles. Notice the lower, flattened hill to the the left of the larger, volcanic-looking feature. Herod actually removed earth from the hill on the left to increase the size and height of the hill on the right, no doubt proud that he had in fact moved a mountain!
Now we will travel about three miles and take a closer look:
The Herodium served particularly well as a fortress, being easy to defend due to its height. In fact, it would be used by Jewish rebels in the revolts of 66 CE and 135 CE. However, as we will see, Herod also used this place as a vacation spot where he could relax from the pressures of administration.
The bus can take us about half-way up, but the rest is by foot:
The climb is a long one. As we reach the top, it is hard not to be impressed by the sheer height of Herodium, as evidenced by the view:
Notice the diamond-shaped formation far below on the ground with the circular formation in the middle (look just over the heads of the two people standing on the steps). A closer look will reveal that this is Herod's bath complex - yes, that was his very large swimming pool !
(Compare the size of the pool to the highway going by it.)
Now let's explore the top of Herodium. Unfortunately, lighting was not ideal for this photo. However, one can get an idea of the layout of the top of Herodium. To the left, where several pillars are dimly visible, would have been the palace area. To the right in the corner would have been the triclinium, the Roman-style dining room. The triclinium was converted to a synagogue during the occupation by Jewish rebels.
Also added by Jewish occupants was this mikvah, or ritual bath:
Herod also had private bathing facilities atop Herodium. On the left is the entrance. On the right, notice the marvelous domed ceiling to the entrance. This is the earliest discovered example of such architecture. Herod is indeed remembered, among other things, as being a master builder.
However, the wonders of Herodium only begin on the surface. They continue within the mountain. Beneath where we have been standing is a maze of underground passageways and water storage devices. Some say the tunnels were built in case Herod should have to make a quick and inconspicuous get-away. At left is one such tunnel. At right is a large cistern for water storage.
The Jewish historian Josephus reports that Herod was buried somewhere within the Herodium after his death at his Jericho palace. However, his remains have never been discovered.