Greek: "The Sword"
Hasmonean stronghold
in Perea
built by Alexander
Jannai. As the base of Aristobulus
II's resistance,
it was destroyed by Pompey
(64 BCE)
but later rebuilt by Herod
on a grander scale, complete with a lavish palace & enough
supplies to withstand a 5 year siege. It was located 5 miles
west of the mineral springs of Callirohe. According to Josephus
it was the place where Antipas
imprisoned & executed Johanan the Baptizer.
References: Josephus,
Antiquities
14.83-96, 111, 119; 18.118-119.
_____, War
1.161-172; 2.485-486; 7.164-210.
For further information about archaeological & historical evidence, see:
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