Herodion National Park

Herodium was originally built by Herod to commemorate his victory in 40 BCE over the Hasmonean ruler Antigonus II Mattathias during their struggle for control of Judaea [1]. The site stands atop an artificial, cone-shaped hill that dominates the surrounding landscape and can be seen from Jerusalem [1]. At its summit, Herod's engineers built a fortified palace with double walls, towers, a Roman-style bathhouse, banquet halls, and residential quarters [1]. At the base, a lower palace complex was built complete with gardens, courtyards, and a large pool fed by aqueducts [1]. According to the historian Josephus, Herod was buried at the site following his death in 4 BCE [1]. Jewish rebels occupied the site during the First Jewish–Roman War (66–73 CE), repurposing the dining hall into a synagogue before it was captured by the Romans in 71 CE [1]. The fort was again used as a rebel base during the Bar Kokhba revolt (132–135 CE), after which it was abandoned [1].