Jotapata

Welcome to the ancient hill of Yodfat, known in classical antiquity as Jotapata. I am delighted to be your academic guide as we explore one of the most historically significant, yet profoundly underappreciated, archaeological…

We have now arrived at the northern perimeter of the city, the most vulnerable and intensely contested sector of ancient Jotapata. Stand near the remnants of these thick stone walls and look outward toward the moderate slope…

Let us continue our walk by carefully descending along the sharp eastern slope of the hill, moving into the residential quarters of Jotapata. As you navigate this steep incline, take note of the massive retaining walls required…

Walking a bit further south along the slope, we transition from the private luxury of the frescoed house to a deeply ingrained communal aspect of first century Jewish life. Gather around this excavated installation carved…

As we move toward the southern plateau of the hill, the terrain levels out slightly, and we enter what was essentially the industrial heart of Jotapata. Follow the pathway toward the large natural opening in the limestone bedrock…

Leaving the cool shadow of the olive press cave, we walk back up toward the central eastern sector of the plateau. Here, we encounter another testament to the incredible industriousness of the people of Jotapata. …

We now step into the center of the town, an area that forces us to confront the darkest and most harrowing chapter of Jotapata’s history. Scattered across this central plateau are deep underground water cisterns, carved into the…

Walk with me now to the absolute southern edge of the site, away from the destroyed homes and the mass graves. Here, the bedrock drops away, revealing a series of natural caves looking out over the desolate valleys. …

As we conclude our exploration of the ancient ruins, we walk a short distance along the exit path heading north, back toward the modern era. After the horrific destruction in the summer of sixty seven, the ancient hilltop behind…

Our comprehensive tour of ancient Jotapata has come to an end. We have walked the perimeter of a doomed fortress, feeling the topographical realities that dictated the forty seven day siege. …