The Holy of Holies within the temple was where the Stella was discovered, which is believed to signify the presence of the divine. In front of the niche were two stone altars for burning incense. These objects were found during excavations, disassembled and lying on their side, with ashes scattered around them. This suggests that the ancient centre of religious worship was overthrown before it could complete its function as a temple.
Today, we have a replica of the Stella and the altars, while the original objects are housed at the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. These artefacts provide valuable insights into the religious practices and beliefs of the time and offer a glimpse into the region's rich and diverse cultural heritage.
The Negev desert is a unique and beautiful southern Israel region with a rich history and culture. The Yatir forest, the largest planted forest in Israel, can be found in the northern part of the desert. The Anim Ancient Settlement, which dates back to the Iron Age, is located near the Yatir Forest and is one of the largest settlements of its kind in the country.
The Livne Shani settlement is also located in this area and has significant historical and archaeological importance. In addition, the Yatir reservoir, the largest reservoir in Israel, also provides vital water resources for the region and has become a popular tourist attraction.
Arad, one of the oldest cities in Israel, is also located in the northern part of the Negev desert. The city has a rich history, dating back to biblical times, and its fortress from the time of the Jewish kings is a popular tourist site.
Overall, the northern part of the Negev desert is a fascinating region with many historical, cultural, and natural attractions to explore.