Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod

Why it mattersKey Hasmonean / Herodian / Byzantine Laura fortress with stratified sequence and regional typology.

Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.

Built

c. 130 BCE Hyrcanus; rebuilt Herod 32–15 BCE

Period

Hasmonean (c. 130 BCE) + Herodian 30 BCE

Culture

Hasmonean / Herodian / Byzantine Laura

Purpose

Judean desert hilltop fortress (140 m × 80 m) with Herod's tomb candidate and Byzantine St Sabas laura

Rediscovered

Modern excavation 1923

Excavation

Partially excavated

1. c. 1200 CE major extension

   Major expansion / refurbishment at Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod

2. c. 130 BCE Hyrcanus; rebuilt Herod 32–15 BCE

   Initial construction / first occupation at Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod

3. 1990 excavation

   Modern rediscovery and scientific excavation of Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod

• Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod — Principal Structure

  structure

  structure at Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod — primary structure

  31.7291° N · 35.3571° E

• Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod — Northern Complex

  complex

  complex at Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod — outlier feature

  31.7326° N · 35.3570° E

• Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod — Southern Rock Art

  rock art

  rock art at Hyrcania — Desert Fortress of Hyrcanus and Herod — outlier feature

  31.7322° N · 35.3564° E