Behind the walkway to the wadi on the right is the aqueduct that brought rainwater into the site. The Qumran gorge is in the central distance.
Water supply was important in Qumran because it was located in a desert region near the Dead Sea, where water was scarce. The community would have needed a reliable water source for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other daily activities. Cisterns, or underground storage tanks, were found during the excavations at Qumran, indicating that the community had a system for collecting and storing water. Additionally, the presence of Jewish ritual baths, or mikva'ot, suggests that the district placed a high value on maintaining ritual purity through frequent bathing.
Given the harsh desert environment, having a reliable water supply was crucial for the Qumran community's survival. The society may have relied on rainwater collection, nearby springs, and possibly even the nearby Dead Sea for their water needs. The importance of water supply in Qumran highlights the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who lived there in adapting to their challenging desert surroundings.
A one spring day trip to St. George's Monastery in Wadi Qelt and the Qumran archaeological site offers a unique glimpse into the religious, mystic, and spiritual traditions of the northern part of the Dead Sea. The journey starts with a visit to St. George's Monastery in Wadi Qelt. This historic monastery is located in a remote desert canyon and was established by early Christian monks who sought solitude and asceticism. Visitors can see the remains of the monastic complex, including the church, cells, and cisterns. The peaceful atmosphere of the monastery and its surrounding landscape contrasts the bustling modern world and offers a glimpse into the early practices of monks in the region.
After visiting the monastery, the trip continues to the Last Chance eatery at the Almog intersection for a delicious meal. This is an excellent opportunity to take a break and refuel before continuing to the Qumran archaeological site.
Located near the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, the Qumran site was inhabited by a Jewish community during the Second Temple period and is most commonly associated with the Essenes, a mystic sect. Visitors can see the remains of the buildings and cisterns that were used by the community, as well as learn about the history and culture of the ancient Jewish community in the region.
The unique atmosphere of the northern part of the Dead Sea, including its religious, mystic, and spiritual traditions, is evident in both St. George's Monastery and Qumran. These two sites offer a fascinating insight into the diverse religious practices and beliefs of the ancient communities who lived in the region. They highlight the enduring legacy of the early Christian monks who sought solitude and asceticism in the Wadi Qelt caves.
Don't be afraid to get lost in new places!
