Gamla

Though Gamla is a well developed archaeological tel, you really have to be motivated to visit the site. This fortified city in the Golan Heights 6 miles east of the Sea of Galilee sets in a deep valley that can only be accessed by foot. Once there, the site itself also presents a challenge. Gamla rests on the spine of a mountain that "falls away sharply on both sides and in front in impassable ravines" (War 4.1.1). The city's name, according to this same passage from Josephus, was derived from the mountain's camel-like appearance.

At Gamla, the zealot movement began and remained the headquarters until it's destruction. It is possible that this was the home of Simon the Zealot, the Lord's disciple. Known as the "Masada of the North", Gamla was one of the last cities in the Galilee to fall to the Romans in A.D.67. In the initial resistance, the zealots forced the Romans to retreat with heavy losses. However, when Vespasian resumed the fight, 4,000 died by the sword and another 5,000 Jewish men, women, and children committed suicide by throwing themselves into the ravine below the citadel (War 4.1.10). Only two women escaped with their lives. One of the interesting things the Yehudiya Nature Reserve has done is to reconstruct a full size replica of a Roman bastilla on site. This, along with well written and well placed signage, helps the visitor gain a good understanding of how the battle took place and how the citizens of the city lived.

The basalt ruins are extensive and well maintained. They include a fortified tower, houses, a olive oil production facility, and a synagogue with a mikveh close by. The synagogue is one of the oldest in Israel. Most synagogues that have been excavated in Israel date to the 3rd century A.D. or later. This one dates to the time of Christ. From the top of the fortified tower, you can see a distant view of the largest waterfall in Israel. It's height spans 50 meters. If you are physically able and don't mind a strenuous hike, don't miss this archaeological jewel when you visit Israel.