Byzantium Fortress -- Avdat

After the Roman residential Quarter at the Avdat Site, the path runs through the South Gate into the rectangular Byzantine fortress.  A vantage point in the southeast corner offers a view over the whole extent of the site with its (partially restored) walls and towers, a large cistern in the center of the courtyard, and the remains of a Late Byzantine Chapel against the North Wall.  A passage in the North Wall gives access to the Roman Military Camp, which measures 90m (100 yds) each way.  The fortress along with the town of Avdat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Avdat, National Park Map

Diagram of the remaining Ruins of the ancient city of Avdat on the Old Spice Road in the Negev Desert, about 50 km North of Beer-Sheva

Wall of the Acropolis

Byzantine Quarter -- Avdat

Section of walls in Avdat

Double Arch Construction , "Avdat"

(See preceeding drawing)

Stone Arch in "Avdat," known as The Southern Gate

"Avdat" was an important city on the Incense Route only after Petra. It was founded in the third century BC and lasted until its demise from an earthquake in the seventh century AD.  The city  was inhabited by Nabateans, Romans, and Byzantines.  See the article on the city of Avdat in the Sodalitas Militarium.