Cypros, Herodian fortress in Jericho, Israel
Cypros is a fortress built during Herod's reign that sits on a hilltop overlooking Wadi Qelt stream and preserves structures from that period. The ruins include fortification walls, water cisterns, and remains of an elaborate bathhouse.
The site was founded by King Herod in the first century BCE, built atop an earlier Hasmonean fortification. It served as one of seven defensive structures Herod established across the desert region.
The fortress bears the name of Herod's mother, reflecting how Romans honored family through architecture and naming. This personal touch reveals what mattered to the ruler who built it.
Visitors reach the site via unpaved roads from the northwest, with accessibility varying by season. It is best to bring sturdy footwear and water, as the terrain is rough with minimal shade.
Excavations uncovered a monolithic bathtub carved from onyx weighing over one ton, revealing the ruler's taste for luxury. This unusual artifact shows how wealthy and refined the inhabitants of this remote fortress actually were.
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