Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev

The Incense Route spans across the Negev Desert, featuring four ancient cities with archaeological remains of trade posts and fortifications spanning several kilometers.

Between 300 BCE and 200 CE, this route served as the primary path for transporting frankincense and myrrh from Arabian Peninsula to Mediterranean ports.

The remains of Nabataean settlements demonstrate advanced architectural techniques, including water management systems that enabled desert agriculture and sustained trade activities.

Visitors can explore the archaeological sites of Avdat, Haluza, Mamshit, and Shivta through marked paths connecting the ancient structures and buildings.

The ancient irrigation network includes dams, channels, cisterns, and reservoirs that transformed arid lands into agricultural spaces despite minimal rainfall.

Part of: Incense Route

GPS coordinates: 31.09750,34.65778

Latest update: July 14, 2025 10:49