Oops, mistake identifying: Sites in Israel that have no connection to reality

What is the connection between a Roman emperor's love for a mountain in Tiberias, between King Solomon and a desert geological park, or between King David and the famous tower in Jerusalem? Probably very little, if any. Six tourist sites in the country whose connection between their name and their essence is definitely accidental

Oops, mistake identifying: Sites in Israel that have no connection to reality

As a land of magnificent and multifaceted historical heritage, many places in Israel have been renamed more or less well-known biblical heroes. But what happens when contemporary research clashes with nicknames born many generations ago? Here are six tourist sites whose connection between their name and their essence is definitely accidental.

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David Tower, Jerusalem

One of Jerusalem's famous symbols meets one of the most famous kings in history. The result: David's Tower - a spectacular fortress and reserve planted in the Old City walls, near the Jaffa Gate. But despite its name, the fort was not built by King David. In fact, in the King's time, the city area did not even reach this complex.

In fact, it was King Herod who decided to set up three guard towers here to protect his palace. Over the generations, the place has been changed and expanded - all at the whims of the occupiers and the rulers of the city. As for the name? No one knows who gave it to him.

The source of the error probably lies in the misinterpretation of ancient writings. The fact that, in Arabic, the fortress is referred to as the "Nabi-Daud sword," added to the matter.

Visit here: Beyond the fact that this site is a very popular and preserved site, there is a fascinating museum running the history of Jerusalem from its earliest days. Do not give up the view from the top of the tower, and look towards the old city. In the evening, a unique vision combines lighting and music. Arrival on foot from Jaffa Gate. www.tod.org.il.

The source of the error probably lies in the misinterpretation of ancient writings. Tower of David (Photo: AP)

Tower of David (Photo: AP)

Yad Avshalom, Jerusalem

Avshalom, the disobedient son, subverted his father - King David - while he was alive. As he ran away from his father's soldiers, his long hair was caught in tree branches and he remained suspended in the air. Soon, the King's trustees came and killed him.
For many generations, it was believed that the magnificent burial ground, nestled on the channel of Kidron Creek, between the Mount of Olives and the Temple Mount, is his resting place. However, archaeologists explain that the tomb was erected in the first century AD, hundreds of years after Absalom's death. There are even those who believe that this is the tomb of King Agrippa, Herod's grandson.

Either way, these are the most beautiful rock tombstones in Israel. One side is exposed to the outside, the remaining sides are surrounded by the original rock, and it is about 20 meters high. A staircase brings visitors down to the interior of the dim burial chamber.

Visit here: You can reach the foot of the Mount of Olives Information Center on Jericho Road in Jerusalem (Highway 417). Please note: The site is near the Muslim Quarter. And if you are already here, visit other monuments, such as the Tomb of Zechariah and the Pig, and the Gethsemane and the Mary Magdalene Church.

The tomb was erected in the 1st century AD, centuries after Absalom's death. Yad Avshalom (Photo: Ziv Reinstein)

Yad Absalom Kidron Creek Tombs (Photo: Photo: Ziv Reinstein, PR)

Mount Bernicki, Tiberias

She was one of the most influential women in ancient Rome and also for many years after her death was an inspiration for books, plays and even opera. It is the Jewish Queen Bernice, the first century CE, Herod's great-granddaughter and the lover of Roman Titus. And what is the connection between it and the mountain that bears its name in the east of Galilee Tiberias? In Arabic, the mountain is known as the "King's Palace" and in the past was believed to be the Agripas Palace, built by Herod Antipas. Later the mountain was given the name "Bernicki". Sound complicated? About 30 years ago, the mystery was solved when archaeologists determined that there were no remains for the same palace.

Visit here: Today the mountain - with the remains of an ancient and Byzantine church - provides beautiful views of the Sea of ​​Galilee, the Golan Mountains and ancient and new Tiberias. In recent years many archeological sites have been trained in the area, as well as picnic complexes located opposite the landscape. You can arrive by car from Toledano Street in the Alef neighborhood of Tiberias. And if you are already in the area, it is recommended to take a sightseeing and picnic trip in the Swiss forest.

Archaeologists have determined that there are no remains in the King's Palace. Mount Berniki over Tiberias (Photo: Shutterstock)

Sea of ​​Galilee Tiberias (Photo: Shutterstock, ShutterStock)

Solomon's Pillars, Timna Park

Timna Geological Park, north of the city of Eilat, offers a fun desert experience thanks to its variety of sites: ancient rock paintings, the famous rock mushroom, the remains of an ancient Egyptian temple, an artificial lake wrapped in a desert landscape and a display depicting the copper mines that operated here thousands of years ago.

Here also stand tall, breathtaking rock pillars that answer "Solomon's Pillars." The reddish sandstone and its high height (40 meters) give them a rather surreal look. And what is the connection to King Solomon? In the past, King Solomon's copper mines were believed to have operated here, but today most scholars believe the mines were operated by ancient Egypt, centuries before King Solomon's days.

Visit here: Timna Park is located on Route 90 (Arava Road), about 35 km north of Eilat. Www.parktimna.co.il.

The copper mines operated here from the ancient Egyptian period. Solomon's Pillars, Timna Park

Timna Park (Photo: ShutterStock)

Shulamit Waterfall, Ein Gedi Reserve

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, on the shores of the Dead Sea, is considered one of the most popular in Israel, thanks to the combination of springs, waterfalls and evergreen streams with dramatic desert scenery. According to the Bible, in this oasis, King David was hiding from Saul, which is why one of the reservoirs was named - Nahal David. However, other sites alongside Nahal David were nicknamed inspired by the Song of Songs book. For example, Ma'ulan and Shulamit Waterfall - the heroine of the song of songs that probably never failed in the stream water and was in no way related to it. The waterfall, also known as the waterfall of David, rises to a height of 36 meters.

Visit here: Ein Gedi Nature Reserve offers a number of hiking trails. The route in the David River is relatively short and suitable for families. The route in the river Arugot is longer. In both you will find running water, natural pools and waterfalls. On Route 90, north of Kibbutz Ein Gedi. Entry fee.

Other sites alongside Nahal David were nicknamed inspired by the Song of Songs book. Ein Gedi (Photo: Eyal Shapira)

Nahal David Ein Gedi River (Photo: Eyal Shapira, Eyal Shapira)

Alexander River

On the coastal plain flows Alexander River, which attracts many visitors on the weekends because of its proximity to the central area and its banks: Eucalyptus groves suitable for a leisurely picnic, an ancient ruin, a well-maintained park and most of all - a lookout point for river turtles.

When Jewish settlement began there, it was believed that its Arabic name, Iskandruna, was the name of the first-century AD Alexander King Yanai who conquered parts of this land. But some claim that the historical truth is much simpler: it is probably the name of a well-known 19th-century Arab watermelon trader who left his wares to Egypt and Lebanon. Who is right? Choose your favorite hero.

Visit here: The start of the route between the Anchor and Hefer junction (coming from Route 4). Length of track about three miles in each direction (pickup vehicle can be left at the turtle bridge). Also recommended as a family bike ride.

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Is it the name of an Arab watermelon trader? Nahal Alexander (Photo: Eyal Shapira)

The Sharon Trail Nahal Alexander (Photo: Eyal Shapira, Eyal Shapira)