AVDAT

If you were astonished by the high quality of the buildings at Shivta you will be awed beyond expectation by the sight that greets you at Avdat (Avedat). For here you see limestone caves with sculptures, burial niches in the white limestone, and, on the summit of this commanding height, the proud remains of a very large settlement.

Avdat was built by the Nabataeans in the 2nd century BCE and takes its name from Obodas (Abdat) II, King of the Nabataeans.

Avdat also dominated the trade routes but during the early period of Roman rule it declined when trade was diverted to the road linking Elat with Damascus. It recovered its importance when the Romans again fortified the area and when the Byzantines settled. There are some fine churches, complete with inscriptions on some of the drums of the columns.

Interspersed throughout the ruins are the cisterns and conduits that enabled people to live here. The solid remains of a huge Roman tower can be seen next to the southern gate of the Byzantine citadel, and visitors should not miss the steam room of the bath house that shows how hot-air vents were utilised below the floor.

The lower parking area is close to limestone caves with discernible sculptured animals' heads in the corners and crosses on the ceiling. These were Nabataean caves that were later used by the Byzantines.

Other sites include a magnificent three-storey Roman house near the upper parking lot and, beyond the main body of buildings, the former Nabataean kiln and workshop with thousands of sherds of pottery there for the picking. Open daily. Entrance fee. About 22 km. remain (on Road No. 40) between here and Mitzpe Ramon and the drive is uneventful.

A few kilometres before Mitzpe Ramon, there is another road to your right, No. 171, which leads to road No. 10. You can take this road and drive to Elat along the Egyptian border.