Shivta
archeological site in Israel
Contents
10 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation3:23
Welcome to the remarkable ancient ruins of Shivta, a jewel hidden within the vast, sun baked expanses of the Negev desert. As you stand at the threshold of this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, you are about to embark on a…
Listen in the app2The Colt Expedition House and City Entrance3:22
As we officially enter the ancient precincts of Shivta, our first significant point of interest is not actually an ancient structure, but rather a fascinating footprint of modern archaeological history. Before you stands the…
Listen in the app3The Main Street and the Stable House3:07
We are now walking along one of the primary arteries of ancient Shivta, a main street that has witnessed the passage of countless generations. The ground beneath your feet consists of the original pavement stones laid down…
Listen in the app4The Pool Square and the Pool House3:31
We have now arrived at the expansive civic heart of the city, widely known as the Pool Square. Before exploring the pools themselves, direct your attention to the magnificent structure immediately adjacent to us, appropriately…
Listen in the app5The Southern Church and Baptismal Fonts3:26
Just a short distance from the bustling Pool Square, we arrive at a site of profound spiritual significance. This is the Southern Church, the first of three magnificent Christian basilicas we will encounter in Shivta. …
Listen in the app6The Mosque of Shivta3:10
Directly adjacent to the Southern Church, we encounter a structural transition that powerfully illustrates the sweeping historical changes of the seventh century. Here, we step into the remains of a mosque. …
Listen in the app7The Governor's House3:14
As we continue our journey along the ancient pathways, moving away from the religious precinct, we arrive at a structure that immediately commands respect and awe due to its sheer scale. Welcome to what archaeologists have…
Listen in the app8The Middle Church and Bakery District3:34
Leaving the grandeur of the Governor's House behind, we navigate through a densely packed residential neighborhood to discover the Middle Church. Unlike the grand, sprawling complexes of the Northern and Southern churches, the…
Listen in the app9The Northern Church and Agricultural Outskirts3:28
Our final major architectural stop brings us to the most magnificent and expansive religious structure in all of Shivta, the grand Northern Church. This magnificent complex was clearly designed to impress and awe both the local…
Listen in the app10Final Reflections2:47
As our extensive walking tour of Shivta draws to a close, let us gather our thoughts and reflect upon the incredible sweep of human history we have traversed today. We have walked in the footsteps of nomadic Nabatean traders who…
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What is Shivta?
Shivta is a place with 10 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Type | Heritage |
|---|---|
| Story sections | 10 |
| Total length | 33 min 02 s in all |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 30.8800, 34.6300 |
| Last updated |