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Nabatean cities in the Negev - Avdat, Shivta
AvdatTravelling was very important for the livelihood of Nabatean merchants. Several hundred years B.C. they started to travel from the Far East to Europe. They carried very expensive merchandise, and therefore needed some "stations" where they could protect themselves, or simply stop for a rest.
One of the most important "stations" along their route (which passed,
in particular, through the Negev) was Avdat. This city on a hilltop, built
in some 4th century B.C., is now reconstructed. It has a fortress,
Roman dwellings, Byzantine churches and caves. The view of Avdat is
especially nice at sunset.
ShivtaAnother Nabatean city, Shivta, was built in 1st century B.C. Due to its location on intersection of main roads, Shivta became a very important commercial centre in the Byzantine period. But later the city lost its significance, and was abandoned in 12th century A.D. Now the well-preserved remains of Shivta include ruins of three churches, a mosque, many houses, streets etc.Shivta is now really off the beaten track, but the area is used for military exercises. So a visit to Shivta may be possible only on Saturdays and holidays.
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