Ancient Jewish Cities & Regions: Machaerus
Ancient Jewish Cities & Regions: Ancient Jewish Cities: Table of Contents
Machaerus (Greek: "The Sword") was a Hasmonean stronghold in Perea built by Alexander Jannai.
As the base of Aristobulus' II resistance, it was destroyed by Pompey [64 CE] but later rebuilt by Herod on a grander scale, complete with a lavish palace and enough supplies to withstand a five-year siege. It was located five miles west of the mineral springs of Callirohe. According to Josephus it was the place where Antipas imprisoned and executed Johanan the Baptizer [Antiquities 18.118-119].
Sources: Into His Own
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