Nazareth was captured by the troops of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1799, during his Syrian campaign. Napoleon took the time to visit the holy sites and then moved on to new conquests… This is what Nazareth looked like a little less than one hundred years after Napoleon visited: And this is what Nazareth looks like when … Continue reading
Vasily Vereshchagin The Apotheosis of War, 1871 “This is devoted to all great conquerors of the present, past and future” – Vasily Vereshchagin Continue reading
Looking deep into Syria from an abandoned bunker on top of Mount Bental: It is worthwhile for one to make their way to the top of Mount Bental for the views alone… After all, this inactive volcano delivers great views of Lebanon, Israel, Syria, Mount Hermon, Mount Avital and the infamous Quneitra. However, summiting Mount … Continue reading
The Bible is full of references to Megiddo, but the one that captures everyone’s attention is the identification of Megiddo in the New Testament Book of Revelation as the host for Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Yes, this is the site that Saint John predicted would host the last great battle between the forces of good and … Continue reading
Yes, those good Samaritans we’ve all heard of… Historically, Samaritans were a large community — up to more than a million in late Roman times – but over the subsequent centuries their numbers have been reduced until today there are a total of only 745 Samaritans left in the entire world. These remaining Samaritans live … Continue reading
This is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world (after the Dead Sea)… The lake is fed partly by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River which flows through it from north to south. And one of the primary sources for the Jordan River, of course, … Continue reading
Mount Hermon looms in the background on the road to the Druze village of Majdal Shams: Majdal Shams is surrounded by apple and cherry orchards and with Mount Hermon serving as a constant backdrop, the drive up can be quite scenic… Since the 1967 Six-Day War, the village has been controlled by Israel. However, the … Continue reading
The Velvet Rocket 