The Judean Desert

The Judean Desert

The Judean Desert is bordered by the Mountains of the West Bank (Judea) to the west and by the Dead Sea to the east. It is considered a relatively small desert, spanning only 1,500 square kilometres, but it contains many fascinating nature reserves, historic sites, monasteries and ancient panoramas that make it an exciting and unique place to visit.

The Judean desert abounds with breath-taking views that are constantly changing. Mountains, cliffs, and chalk hills stand alongside plateaus, riverbeds, and deep canyons. The width and breadth of the desert is crossed by several rivers that have created canyons up to 500 meters deep. Some of these rivers have water all year round, and create oases such as Nahal Arugot, Nahal Prat, and Nahal David. The ancient cliffs on the eastern edge of the desert rise to a height of 300 meters above the shore of the Dead Sea, and nature reserves such as Ein Gedi and Einot Tzukim lie at their feet.

The Judean Desert is close to Jerusalem and relatively sparsely populated. The few settlements that are there were established at its perimeter. The desert is known for its rugged landscape, which has provided a refuge and hiding place for rebels and zealots throughout history, as well as solitude and isolation to monks and hermits. During the days of the Hasmoneans (about 2,000 years ago) large fortresses such as Masada and Horkenya were established in the desert. During the period of the great rebellion against Rome the last battle of the Jewish zealots was fought on Masada, and during the period of the Second Temple members of the Judean Desert cult lived there.

Several decades ago the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered hidden in a cave in Qumran by an Arab Sheppard, which shed light on the Bible and on the period during which they were written. It is worthwhile to visit Qumran National Park and see the archaeological remains of the Jewish settlement that existed there.
Jewish rebels were not the only people who lived in the Judean Desert. During the Byzantine period (approximately 1,500 years ago) a special order of monks known as the Laura lived there and based their lifestyle upon total isolation and solitude. The magnificent monasteries that belonged to monks of this order were built in the cliffs and rock crevasses, with small, personal chambers and cupolas for common meetings during days of prayer.

Many monasteries have been established in the Judean Desert. Some of these are still active, such as the Mar Saba Monastery, and others, like the Mar Juries are empty and only the ruins remain.

Near the Judean Desert and the monasteries is one of the most important sites in Christianity, the Baptism site on the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. According to Christian tradition, the waters of the Jordan River are sacred, and many pilgrims come to the spot and immerse themselves in the waters.