The Sartaba Hike in the Jordan Valley — Touring Alexandrion with Amizur Nachshoni
- Amizur Nachshoni
- Mar 7, 2021
- 2 min read
Touring Alexandrion
Sartaba, Alexendrion is a difficult place to visit. I was there a few days ago, the landscape is breathtaking. However, there is no paved road leading to the place. The nearest paved road leads to the site’s eastern foot, from which a steep 1-hour hike to the summit is expected. While a full off-road vehicle will get you closer to the summit, the climb to the top is still strenuous. Aside from the fascinating ruins, the mountain top offers spectacular views of the Jordan Valley and the Samaria Ranges.
Alexandrion (Sartaba)
The Hasmonean fortress of Alexandrion, perched atop a mountain overlooking the Jordan Valley, was once a grand fortified palace that witnessed great dramas. The majority of its ruins have yet to be discovered, revealing the site’s unique past.
History of Alexandrion
Alexandrion was possibly named after Hasmonean King Alexander Jannaeus, who built it. Its steep mountain top offered excellent protection, and a sophisticated water system ensured that the siege in Alexandrion would last for a long time. His wife, Shlomzion, used the platform as a treasury as well. Later, when Aristobulus the second was battling for the throne of Judea, her son, Aristobulus the second, sought refuge in Alexandrion. Later, when Aristobulus the second was battling for the throne of Judea, her son, Aristobulus the second, sought refuge in Alexandrion. 6 years later, his son, Alexander the second, sought refuge in Alexandrion, which the Romans destroyed after he surrendered.
Herod restored the site after becoming king of Judea, and he imprisoned his wife Mariame and her mother in Alexandrion in 30 BCE. In addition, if he did not return alive from his meeting with Augustus, he issued orders to have them executed. Augustus and Herod had a fruitful encounter. Nonetheless, a year later, he executed his wife and mother. He also carried out an assassination in 7 BCE. He also executed two of their mutual children in 7 BCE and buried them in Alexandrion.
Amizur Nachshoni hopes he can get as many visitors as possible. #Amizur #Nachshoni #trip #Alexandrion #Sartaba #view #AmizurNachshoni
Comments