
Mukawir | City of Machaerus
Mukawir
A historian named Flavius Joseph, of the 1st century A.D. identifies the imposing site of Mukawir (Machaerus) as the fortress of Herod, the ruler that the Romans settled in the region during the life of Jesus Christ. It was here, in this fortified palace overlooking the region of the Dead Sea, that Herod Antipas, son of Herod, imprisoned and beheaded John the Baptist after the fatal dance of Salome.
After Herod's death, when his kingdom was divided among the three surviving sons, the territory passed to Herod Antipas. About 30 years later, Antipas divorced his wife (a Nabatean princess, daughter of Aretas V) to marry Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. The repudiated wife left for Machaerus to cross the nearby border with Nabataea and from there, under the protection of the Nabataean army, settled south in the capital of her father, called Petra.
City of Machaerus
John the Baptist, who openly condemned Antipas' divorce and his new repeated marriage, also came to Machaerus - but as a prisoner. Giuseppe Flavio tells us that it is here that Salome, the daughter of Herodias, danced, and, at the instigation of her mother, asked for the Baptist's head on a plate.
When Herod Antipas died, his lands were taken by the Romans, who installed a contingent of soldiers in Machaerus. But in 66 A.D, in the initial stages of the first Jewish revolt against Roman rule, a group of rebels conquered the fortress by removing it from the hands of the Roman garrison.
Jordan Attractions
The truce was very short - immediately after the fall of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the governor of Judea, Lucilio Basso, led an attack on the castle and destroyed it. The fortresses that the Romans had built for the siege and the ramp they created to launch the final assault are still visible on the ridge below. But the ramp was never used because the defenders surrendered.
The local name of this hill, that is al-mishnaqa, the gallows, bears resonances of its early notoriety, since the fortress that dominates it is traditionally associated with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. Located on the hills southwest of Madaba, and overlooking the Dead Sea, Machaerus fortress is located near the small village of Mukawir, whose name reflects the ancient one. But the history of Machaerus is older than that of John the Baptist.
The local name of this hill, that is al-mishnaqa, the gallows, bears resonances of its early notoriety, since the fortress that dominates it is traditionally associated with the imprisonment and execution of John the Baptist. Located on the hills southwest of Madaba, and overlooking the Dead Sea, Machaerus fortress is located near the small village of Mukawir, whose name reflects the ancient one. But the history of Machaerus is older than that of John the Baptist.
A well-traveled bridge between sea and desert, east and west, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan is a land of mesmerizing beauty and contrasts, from the Jordan Valley, fertile, and ever-changing, to the remote desert canyons, immense and still. Visitors can explore splendid desert castles, gaze in awe at the haunting wilderness of Wadi Rum, or bathe in the restful waters of the Red Sea.
Latest Articles
Admin
Seabourn Sojourn Cruise Stops in Safaga Port
The Seabourn Sojourn, the flagship vessel of Seabourn Cruise Line's ultra-luxury fleet, was built in 2008 at the T. Mariotti shipyard in Genoa, Italy. Measuring 198 metres, it can accommodate up to 450 guests in its 225 spacious all-suite staterooms.
Admin
Norwegian Sky Cruise Stops in Safaga Port
Norwegian Cruise Line operates a cruise ship called the Norwegian Sky. It was constructed in 1999 and can accommodate 2,004 passengers in addition to 878 crew members. The ship has several dining establishments, lounges and bars, a spa and fitness center, swimming pools, and a number of entertainment areas.
Admin
Explora II Cruise Stops in Safaga Port
Explora II, the second vessel in the Explora Journeys fleet, sets sail in 2024 to redefine luxury cruising. With 461 ocean-front suites, 9 culinary experiences, and 4 pools, this haven of sophistication and sustainability promises an unforgettable "Ocean State of Mind" journey to inspiring destinations.
Admin
Mein Schiff 6 Cruise Stops in Safaga Port
The Mein Schiff 6 is the latest cruise ship in the renowned TUI Cruises fleet, offering passengers a luxurious and sophisticated cruise experience. At 315 metres long, this floating resort features a range of dining options, entertainment, and recreational facilities, including a spa, fitness centre, and sports amenities.
Admin
Mein Schiff 4 Cruise Stops in Safaga Port
When the Mein Schiff 4 cruise ship docks in Safaga, Egypt, passengers are granted access to a realm of ancient wonders. Aboard this state-of-the-art vessel, guests can embark on meticulously curated shore excursions that showcase the region's most iconic landmarks, including the Giza Pyramids, the enigmatic Sphinx, and the remarkable tombs and temples of the Valley of the Kings in Luxor.
Admin
MS Europa Cruise Stops in Safaga Port
The Silver Moon, Silversea's latest flagship, is a luxury cruise ship that offers an exceptional travel experience for Venezuelans exploring Egypt. With a capacity of 596 guests and an impressive 40,700 gross tonnes, the Silver Moon maintains the small-ship intimacy and spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea brand.