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City in Israel
Photo: Gilabrand, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Arad (Hebrew, ערד) is a small city in Israel that lies on the border between the Negev desert and the Judaean Desert.
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The site of the ancient city, well worth a visit from an archaeological point of view. The site consists of two parts, the lower city (from the Bronze Age) and the upper city (an Israelite settlement).
This city from the Bronze Age was surrounded by a 1200m-long wall with half-round towers. Apparently, it was well planned including streets and houses.
The Israeli upper city bears evidence of a re-settlement 1500 years later during the time of King David and Solomon, around 1150 B.C. Near the citadel an altar was situated and a smaller model version of Jerusalem. Remarkably, on one of the found shards engravings with reference to the house of JHWH (בית יהוה) were visible. The city was conquered during the Babylonian siege of Judea (597-577 B.C.). Later, under Achaemenid Persian rule, this was a place of worship and sacrifice. In the Hellenic and Roman period it was used as citadel, after which it was mostly uninhabited. From the 7th to 9th century, it was used by the Arabs for residence.
An exclusive quarter with its own brand of desert atmosphere, combining creativity and artistry is in the heart of the industrial zone, on the road leading down to the Dead Sea. The artists, who are all inhabitants of Arad, united together to create a productive community with an enhanced sensitivity towards the environment.
The Israel Nature and National Parks Protection Authority's visitors centre introduces visitors to the geology and history of the Judaean Desert. Its audiovisual program uses water and a 3D model of the Judaean Desert to demonstrate why this desert is so prone to flooding. Artifacts from Tel Arad and models of Canaanite Arad and the Israelite-period fortress are on display in the section devoted to history. A multi-screen video presentation brings the visitor back to the present and the modern city of Arad. The Visitors Centre has information on hiking trails, events and areas of interest in the Judaean Desert. Visitors can purchase maps, sheets with suggested hiking routes and related literature.
One of the biggest forests in Israel and popular in summer for hiking and biking. The Israel National Trail runs through the forest and by Tel Arad.
Here the Israeli artist Yigal Tumarkin created a big outdoor sculpture in 1968.
Another budget option. Member of ILH.
Blau-Weiss Hostel
Book ahead, not to get an expensive private room offered if you arrive late.
From Beer Sheva
From the Beer Sheva central bus station, line 386 (express), 387 (direct) and line 388 (higher frequency, but more intermediate stops) run to Arad. The price is ₪8.70.
From Tel Aviv
From Tel Aviv (Arlozorov terminal only), lines 389 and 421 run to Arad. Each line has only 2-3 trips per day each direction. Line 421 continues to the Dead Sea.
From Jerusalem
From Jerusalem, lines 554 and 555 run to Arad. These lines are oriented to the Haredi sector, so they start in Haredi neighborhoods rather than the central bus station.
There are 5 local bus lines (Lines 1, 2, 3, 11 and 12) that serve all parts of the city. These lines are operated by Metropoline.
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