The ancient town can be visited
Ancient BuildingRevivim (רְבִיבִים)
Ancient Town Elusa
The ancient city of Elusa, located in the Israeli Negev, was once a significant center on an important caravan route. Today, its remains bear witness to a rich history spanning from the Nabataeans to the early Islamic period.
History+
Elusa is first mentioned by Claudius Ptolemy, on the Tabula Peutingeriana, and in the letters of Libanius. The city played a central role as a Nabataean settlement on the trade route from Petra to Gaza. In late antiquity, during the Byzantine era, and at the beginning of Islamic rule, Elusa served as the capital of the central Negev. Bishops from Elusa participated in the Councils of Ephesus and Chalcedon, highlighting the city's importance and leading to the titular bishopric of Elusa in the Roman Catholic Church. The city was likely abandoned in the 8th century. Systematic excavations are still pending, but initial surveys have uncovered tombstones, pottery from various epochs, and remains of a temple, a theater, and an aqueduct.
Location+
Elusa is situated near modern-day Revivim in the Southern District of Israel, at an elevation of approximately 222 meters above sea level.
On site+
Visitors can explore the ruins of the ancient city today and discover the traces of its long history.
Nearby+
- Ancient City of Be'er Sheva (בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע ,بئر السبع) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 24.2 km away
- Ancient City of Nitzana (ניצנה) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 32.4 km away
- Ancient City of Avdat (עבדת, عبدات) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 35.5 km away
- Ancient City of Marissa (תל מראשה) (Ancient Buildings), approx. 59.6 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bldg-haluza.jpg?uselang=de
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 31.0972, 34.6542