Adventure Beat

Our next stop in the Eight Wonders survey takes us to

1) Qumran and the Dead Sea Scrolls

Half a century ago, on a dry plateau one mile inland from the Dead Sea, archeologists unearthed the ancient ruins of Qumran. Remains of walls and pottery, as well as a rudimentary cistern, date the site's first occupants to 8th or 7th century B.C. Qumran is best known for its connection to the Dead Sea Scrolls, some 900 scrolls (most in thousands of pieces) that have puzzled and captivated religious and historical scholars ever since their discovery in 1947. Mystery still shrouds the scrolls and the site of Qumran. Some believe it was home to a Jewish sect, possibly the Essenes. A large cemetery that borders the ruins may contain some answers, but under Jewish law excavating cemeteries is forbidden, so the purpose of Qumran remains a mystery. 

2) The Dead Sea

Known for its extremely high salinity, the Dead Sea is the lowest saltwater lake on earth. The Dead Sea valley is the lowest land point on the planet: 1,291 feet below sea level.  Located at the modern-day boundary between Israel and Jordan, the mineral-rich lake has attracted dignitaries for millennia — it was a refuge for King David and a health spa for Herod the Great. Today, with water levels subsiding rapidly, the Dead Sea is considered one of the most endangered lakes on earth.

3) Sea of Galilee

The body of water called the Sea of Galilee is only nominally a sea; by science's definition it's a lake, fed by underground springs as well as the Jordan River. At 686 feet below sea level, the Sea of Galilee is the world's lowest freshwater lake, and the second lowest lake on the planet, after the Dead Sea. In modern Hebrew, the Sea of Galilee is known as Yam Kinneret, possibly derived from the Hebrew word kinnor, referring to the harp-like shape of the lake.  The waters of the Sea of Galilee are frequently mentioned in the New Testament, and Jesus is written to have recruited four of his disciples on its shores.  But did he walk on water?  

4) Caesarea Maritima

Some 2,000 years ago Herod the Great honored his liege, Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, with a port city called Caesarea built on the remains of a Phoenician town. For a time, the city was more important to the Roman Empire than Jerusalem. Aqueducts brought fresh water into the city from 10 miles away. Herod's grand amphitheater, seating 3,500, was the site of many an execution. In the 7th century, Muslim invaders destroyed the city. Five centuries later, crusaders extended Herod's aqueducts and rebuilt Caesarea as a massive fortress, whose defensive structures still stand.

5) Port of Jaffa

The fortified port city of Jaffa has overlooked the Mediterranean for 4,000 years. Its strategic location long made it a temptation for conquerors, and it has been a stopping point for visitors and raiders including ancient Egyptians, crusaders, and Napoleon. Modern Jaffa has not forgotten its roots; many relics of Jaffa's long history have been excavated during the restoration of the Old City.

6) City of Jerusalem

Venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, Jerusalem has a long history. Archeologists date the first settlements to nearly 5,000 years ago, although the first recorded mention of a settlement on the site dates to the second millennium B.C. First capital to the Jewish kingdoms of ancient Israel, Jerusalem continued as the main city in the Holy Land during Muslim rule. Today's Jerusalem, despite conflicts in the region and the city, remains a mix of national and religious groups. Learn about Jerusalem on Wikipedia.  

7) Ramon Crater

The Negev Desert's Ramon Crater is the world's largest karst crater — one formed by water and erosion rather than the impact of a meteorite. Nearly 24 miles long and 5 miles at its widest point, the crater is shaped like an elongated heart.  Some of Israel's most impressive mountains rise from Ramon's edges. Millions of years ago, the entire Negev desert was underwater. Fossils, some as large as tractor wheels, once littered the crater's walls, but throughout the years tourists have pocketed most of them, and today only a few remain. See the crater online.

8) The Jordan River

The Jordan River may be the holiest river on earth. From Mount Hermon it flows to the Sea of Galilee to the ancient walled city of Jericho, and finally to the Dead Sea. Moses' long Exodus ended at the Jordan Valley. Jesus was baptized on its banks. Its rich history — not to mention some tremendous rapids — made it a natural choice for a river journey for Richard Bangs and crew. Follow the latest adventure. 

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