The king’s sarcophagus discovered broken. Researchers believe that Bar Kochba rebels broke the sarcophagus because they hated Herod. However, it is not clear why the bones of the ruler disappeared. The rebels of Bar Kochba were extreme religious fanatics. Strict religious regulations do not allow touching the bones of the dead. Ehud Netzer professor of archeology spent 30 years to find Herod’s grave in Herodion. In 2010, during an excursion to Herodion, Professor Netzer fell, was seriously injured and died three days later in a hospital. He devoted his life to discovering the king’s burial place, and the ancient Herod's curse placed on those who disturb the grave probably came true.
A stunning structure that has no analogs in the ancient world is the palace, fortress, and mausoleum of one of the most famous rulers of the past - King Herod the Great. Herodion rises above the hills of the Judean desert and silently looks over Bethlehem - the city where Jesus was born. Who knows, maybe it was the Herodion from where Herod the Great gave the order to kill all the babies in Bethlehem to destroy Jesus. Professor Netzer spent 30 years searching for Herod’s tomb and died in Herodion. Who knows, maybe in this way the king’s curse came true, imposed on the one who will disturb his grave. Herodion is the place where Bar Kochba rebels hid and the place where the desert blooms in spring with the blue Iris, so rare for these places.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
