The palace complex, located in the Judean wilderness about 7km south-east of Bethlehem, built by Herod the Great between 24 and 15 BC, to commemorate a victory at the location when he had to flee to Masada during the Parthian invasion in 40 BC.
The most prominent part of the complex is the luxurious volcano-like hill-top citadel, from which the residents could see—and that, even in its present ruin, is visible—for miles around.
Herodion from Ramat Rachel.
On its north-eastern slopes is located a theatre as well as Herod's tomb, discovered, already desecrated, in 2004 by Israeli archaeologist Netzer and his team.
Aerial view of Herod's burial site at Herodion.
The lower palace complex included a huge swimming pool, filled with water brought by aquaducts from miles away.
The Swimming Pool at Lower Herodion.
©ALBERITH
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