Zohar Fort, Byzantine fortress near Dead Sea, Israel
Zohar Fort is a stone fortress in southern Israel featuring a squared central structure with defensive towers anchoring each corner. The walls were constructed from dense flint and limestone, which remains visible in the ruins today.
The fortress was built in the late 5th century as part of a regional defense system protecting trade routes across the desert. It remained active for about 150 years before being abandoned in the early 7th century.
The name Zohar means "radiance" in Hebrew, reflecting the bright landscape surrounding this remote location. Visitors can observe how residents adapted their daily lives to the harsh desert conditions near the Dead Sea.
The site is accessible on foot but requires walking over uneven terrain and loose stones, particularly challenging in hot weather. Shade is minimal at this exposed location, so bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Excavations uncovered a pierced coin from the Roman Emperor Diocletian, suggesting it was worn as a personal pendant by one of the inhabitants. This find reveals how residents customized objects from their surroundings for personal use.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
