Gamla
By Dr. Randall Smith
Courtesy of Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
Named for its characteristic hump ("gamal" in Hebrew means "camel"), Gamla is often called the "Massada of the North." Like their compatriots at the famous desert fortress to the south, Gamla's residents tried heroically to resist Roman conquest.
In 67 AD, Gamla's defenders fought valiantly - but lost. Thousands felt as Gamla's population plunged into battle by then 5,000 people jumped off the mountain rather than be taken prisoner by Rome.
Today Gamla is part of a large and exciting nature reserve. Excavations at Gamla have revealed some fascinating remains, including the ancient synagogue that was in operation at the time of the Temple as well as two olive pressing installations with adjacent ritual baths complexes - showing the inhabitants to have worked in accordance with Jewish ritual purity laws (halachah). Also recovered were six special coins minted and found only at Gamla with the inscription "for the redemption" on one side and "of holy Jerusalem" on the other.
© Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
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