Beth Guvrin

Beth Guvrin was originally a large village in the Judean Shephelah (called Idumea in the Roman period), on the road from Jerusalem to Ascalon. After Marisa was destroyed, Beth Guvrin, or in Greek Eleutheropolis, became the district capital.

Although there was a Jewish community in the city during the Roman period (archaeological evidence of a synagogue has been found), Eleutheropolis was a typically Roman city. Recent excavations have revealed a large oval-shaped amphitheater, used for gladiatorial contests.

The city flourished again in the Byzantine period. The few mosaics and buildings exposed hitherto are an indication of what awaits the archaeologist among the ruins. Some traces also remain of the Crusader site, which consisted mainly of agricultural estates.