Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
Overview
The four Nabatean towns of Haluza, Mamshit, Avdat and Shivta, along with associated fortresses and agricultural landscapes in the Negev Desert, are spread along routes linking them to the Mediterranean end of the incense and spice route. Together they reflect the hugely profitable trade in frankincense and myrrh from south Arabia to the Mediterranean, which flourished from the 3rd century BC until the 2nd century AD. With the vestiges of their sophisticated irrigation systems, urban constructions, forts and caravanserai, they bear witness to the way in which the harsh desert was settled for trade and agriculture.
About Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev is a World Heritage-designated area near the end of the Incense Route in the Negev, southern Israel, which connected Arabia to the Mediterranean in the Hellenistic-Roman period, proclaimed as being of outstanding universal value by UNESCO in 2005. The trade led to the development of ancient towns, forts and caravanserai en route, apart from agricultural development.
Read more on WikipediaSelection Criteria
(iii)(v)
Components(4 locations)
- •Haluza1107-002
- •Shivta1107-004
- •Mamshit1107-003
- •The route, including Avdat1107-001
Details
- Countries
- Israel
- ISO Codes
- IL
- Area
- 6,655 ha
- Coordinates
- 30.5739, 35.0092
Stay Nearby
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
Attractions & Tickets
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev
Getting Here
Incense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev