Khirbet Mazin, Archaeological site at Dead Sea shore, Israel.
Khirbet Mazin is an archaeological site with ruins of an ancient fortress located on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea. The remains show a dry dock system that was built to support boat operations on the water.
The site was built between 103 and 67 BCE under the rule of Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus as a strategic naval facility. It was an important place to maintain control over the water and trading routes of that time.
The site reveals traces of daily life from ancient times through coins and pottery that visitors can observe in the excavated remains. These objects show how people here worked and traded with one another.
The location is in a remote area by the Dead Sea and is best reached by vehicle or guided tour. Visitors should bring water, sun protection, and sturdy footwear since the ground is uneven and offers little shade.
The site preserves one of the few known ancient dry dock systems from that period, specifically designed for operations on the Dead Sea. This construction method was remarkably rare and shows the technical knowledge required for this challenging environment.
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