Zohar Waddi and a "Limes" Fortress
In the south of Judea Desert, near the Dead Sea, there's a small
waddi, with a small but deep canyon, and a Fortress Hill.
The Fortress seem to be from the Roman period, and most of the remains
are from the third century a.c, meaning from the times of the Cesar
Diokletianus. This means that the Zohar Fortress was part of the
famous Limes (=limit) fortresses, which formed a line in the Negev
and in Judea Desert. Nevertheless, this fortress brings up a question:
It is not the southern fortress, nor in a controlling place like all
others. Why then, was it built ?
The Answer seem to be the near by lake: The Dead Sea.
It seems that there were lots of smuglers of salt, which was
considered a very precious spice. Without salt, the meat wouldn't last,
and the fishes would stink...
Possibly the Fortress was built to catch smuglers, or to frighten them.
Near by there's a little dam, with fresh water, staying till mid
summer. I can't promise anything, but whoever climbs up the hill,
will see it in the north-west. Just be carefull not to fall from the
steep hill. It is very dangerous !!
Enjoy it.
Please look at the picture:
And look at the map: