Israel: Ancient City of Avdat
Avdat is an ancient city located in the heart of the inhospitable Negev Desert. It was founded and built around 1st century BC by the Nabataeans, an ancient civilization that was also responsible for Petra in Jordan. In fact, Avdat was the second largest city of the Nabataeans after Petra and lies on the Incense Route from Petra to Gaza. Caravans caring incense would break their long journeys in Avdat. After Nabataeans, the city was part of Roman and Byzantine empires. The ruins are quite spectacular being over 2000 years old, but I guess the dry desert air keeps then well intact. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
