JERUSALEM ENVIRONS: FAMOUS SITES SURROUNDING THE HOLY CITY

Ayalon Valley -- The main valley leading from the coast to Jerusalem. The site of many famous battles during Joshua's campaigns against the Canaanites; during the Maccabean Revolt, the Roman period; and in modern times, The War of Independence in 1948.

Bet Shemesh -- A town west of Jerusalem on the way to the coastal plain. It was in this vicinity that most of the Samson stories took place. (Judges 13-16) Now a thriving suburb of modern Jerusalem and a center for industry, with a population of over 25,000.

Caves of Bet Guvrin -- A prominent city in the period of the Second Temple, located in the southern Shephelah. (Hilly region to the west of Jerusalem). Today it is a small kibbutz of a few hundred people. Famous for its numerous and cavernous caves.

Emmaus -- ancient town in the Judean Valley of Ayalon, 20 mi. (33 km.) N.W. of Jerusalem. Here, Jesus appeared before his disciples after his crucifixion and resurrection (Luke 24:13-16).

Tel Maresha -- Next door to Bet Guvrin is yet another remarkable archaeological site. This area was the most important agricultural center in the Jerusalem area. You can see the caves where they raised doves both for fertilizer (from their dung) as well as for offerings at the Temple; also olive presses, wineries, and other artifacts.

Tomb of Samuel -- The traditional site of the tomb of this great Israelite judge and prophet who lived in the 11th century B.C. Standing at the close of one era and the beginning of another, Samuel was instrumental in the painful, but necessary, transition from a loose confederation of Hebrew tribes to a centralized monarchy. He played a part in events which eventually saw his people completely freed from subjection to the Philistines and from the threat of the utter loss of national life. The site is in Neve-Samuel, the highest hill overlooking Jerusalem, and many Jews used to come here to pray on the anniversary of his death. (1 Sam 1-25)