Emmaus

Judah Maccabee attacking the Greeks at Emmaus

Emmaus Nicapolis (45min)

We begin our tiyul at the Emmaus Nicapolis monastery.

Speaking points

Emmaus – meaning
Identification - Imwas
Latrun – meaning
Orientation – Gezer, Park Canada, Emek Ayalon
Road to Jerusalem during the war of independence.

History

Joshua – Battle of Givon
Greeks Hasmonaeans
Attack of Roman detachment by Jews of Emmaus. Emmaus was destroyed as a response.
New Testament story of resurrected Jesus at Emmaus
Rename to Nicopolis after the destruction of the Jerusalem
Bar Kochba - Hidouts on Tel Aked
Byzantines build a basilica and house a Bishop.
Nicopolis on Madaba map.
20k muslims die in “Plague of Amwas” 638–639 then move to Ramle
Abu Ubayda

Emmaus Nicopolis Beatitudes site

Emmaus City Bath (30min)

The bathhouse is one of the few remaining Roman bathhouses with roof intact.

After a walk around the structure and short explanation of Roman bathhouses, return to cars.

Links

Aqueduct Walk (90min)

Although we have not yet had much rain and the fields are dry, we can still enjoy the Bustan of Mediterranean trees (חורש ים תיכוני). Walk under the oaks, carubs, pines, cyprus, figs, dates, grape vines and more. As we walk we can talk about flora.

We will park by the lake and walk up the valley along the aqueducts (שביל אמות המים).

Near the springs (now dry) we will sit under the oaks and read from the book of Maccabees and learn about the battle of Emmaus.

Links