Adullam Grove Nature Reserve, Archaeological site in central Israel.
Adullam Grove Nature Reserve is an archaeological site with multiple ancient settlement remains south of Beit Shemesh. The terrain features Mediterranean forests and woodlands where different archaeological sites from various periods are scattered throughout.
The site was first settled in the 10th century BCE and remained inhabited through the 4th century CE. During the Bar Kokhba revolt in the 2nd century CE, people used the area as refuge from Roman forces.
The ruins here show remains of synagogues, ritual baths, and burial caves from the Second Temple period. At these sites, visitors can see how Jewish communities lived and practiced their faith in this region.
The area has marked hiking trails that lead to the various archaeological sites scattered throughout. Wear sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and requires careful footing in many places.
At Horvat Midras, a 3.5-metre stone tomb marker shaped like a truncated pyramid stands beside a burial cave sealed by a large rolling stone. The site also holds a columbarium for raising pigeons, and a Byzantine church excavated in 2010 with mosaic floors and eight Corinthian marble columns imported from Asia Minor.
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