When we are in Bethlehem we will also make a stop at the Herodium. It is about 7.5 miles south of Jerusalem and was built by Herod the Great about 24 BC. He built it to commemorate victories over his enemies, the Hasmoneans and Parthians. It was a fortress rising about 400 feet above the surrounding terrain.
Here's what Josephus said about it:
"This fortress, which is some sixty stades distance from Jerusalem, is naturally strong and very suitable for such a structure, for reasonably near by is a hill raised to a (greater) height by the hand of man and rounded off in the shape of a breast. At intervals it has round towers, and it has a deep ascent formed of two hundred steps of hewn stone. Within it are costly royal apartments made for security and for ornament at the same time." (Antiquities 15.324).
On a clear day, from the Herodium, one can see Bethlehem to the west, the Dead Sea to the east, and the Mt. of Olives to the northwest.
Recently, archaeologists believe they have found what is the tomb that would have been the burial place of Herod the Great. We are very fortunate to be able to visit this site.
Shalom.
Pastor Rick
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