Ein Gedi

Ein Gedi is Israel's largest oasis off the western shore of the Dead Sea. Within the oasis there are four springs which together supply 3 million cubic meters of water annually. The location, high temperatures, and abundance of water produce a large variety of plant and animal life, some of which are quite rare.

Inhabited as early as the Chalcolithic period in the fourth millennium BCE, En-gedi is mentioned in the biblical narrative of the pursuit of David by King Saul. Beginning in the 7th century BCE, Ein Gedi was almost continuously settled for some 1,400 years. During the excavations (1961–1965) at Tel Goren, the ancient mound of Ein Gedi, strata were exposed from the end of the First Temple period (late 7th century BCE) until the end of the Second Temple period (1st century CE). During the Late Roman and Byzantine periods, residential quarters were built here along with the most important structure discovered – a synagogue from the 4th century CE.

No one is better qualifed than Hanan Eshel, with his vast experience in the field, wide historical knowledge and superb scholarship, to tell the full story of Ein Gedi.