Omrit

Located in the northeast corner of the Hulah Valley in Israel/ edge of the Golan Heights, the ancient site of Omrit (also known as Horbat Omrit) sits atop a foothill of Mount Hermon. After a brushfire cleared the area in 1998, excavations led by Macalester College have been taking place with assistance from nearby Kfar Szold. The region was well trodden by Roman influence, and thus far excavations have yielded three phases of temple construction approximated at mid 1st century BCE, 20 BCE and 1st century CE. The site is located approximately 2.5 miles southwest of Banias, adjacent to a Roman road connecting cities in the region. It is this Roman road and temple complex that some scholars believe was referred to by Flavius Josephus in descriptions of the Golan region. Given its proximity to Banias and the presence of corinthian temple ruins, it is likely that Omrit is the site of the third temple built of limestone and plaster by King Herod in Honor of Augustus around 20 BCE.

See also

• Herodian architecture

External links

• Macalester Website
• Jewish Virtual Library Page

Coordinates: 33°13′06″N 35°39′47″E / 33.21833°N 35.66306°E / 33.21833; 35.66306