"Qumran, still in Israel for now" Khirbat Qumran by Martin_S.

Khirbat Qumran Travel Guide: 13 reviews and 35 photos

Qumran, Dead Sea Scrolls, Israel - Khirbat Qumran

Qumran along the northern shore of the Dead Sea is still at the time I write this in Israeli territority and safe to visit. The Essenes settled this area in the second century before Christ. Even though there had been a settlement here 6 centuries before that. It is believed that they fled here because of religious persecution during Herod's rule. This is the site where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered in 1947.

Qumran, Dead Sea Scrolls, Israel

Some overviews of the ruins of the settlement which the Essenes were forced to leave when the Romans conquered Israel in 68CE.

Qumran, Dead Sea Scrolls, Israel

The actual last known occupants of Qumran was the Roman garrison stationed here during the Bar Kochba revolt in 132 CE. This view gives you an idea of the barrenness of the area.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Piece of history packed away in the barren desert
Cons:VERY hot in summer, don't forget lots of water
In a nutshell:If you enjoy history do not miss it.

Last visit to Khirbat Qumran: May 2008
Intro Updated Jul 3, 2008
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Reviews (5)

Qumran, Scrolls Cave, Israel - Khirbat Qumran

Scrolls Cave Things to Do (4)

When standing in front of this sign which explains how and where the Dead Sea scrolls were found, you can see in the... more travel advice

Qumran, aqueduct, Israel - Khirbat Qumran

Living at Qumran Things to Do (4)

How do you live in the middle of a remote desert without a source of fresh water...well the answer is that you conserve... more travel advice

Qumran, thieves den of today, Israel - Khirbat Qumran

WATER, get it before you arrive Tourist Traps (1)

Water the liquid of life. Most important thing in the desert. But do NOT purchase here at Qumran, the people who run the... more travel advice

Qumran, ritual bath, Israel - Khirbat Qumran

Ritual Baths Things to Do (4)

The Jewish religious culture revolved as most religious cultures do, around rituals. One of them is the ritual clenseing... more travel advice

Comments (1)

goodfish Dec 29, 2009 at 4:05 AM Report Abuse

Shalom, Martin! This month's copy of the Smithsonian Magazine had a fascinating article on Qumran - had to see what my friend in Israel wrote about it too. A aways, a great page with wonderful photos!