For it was situated upon a rough ridge of a high mountain, with a kind of neck in the middle; where it begins to ascend, it lengthens itself and declines as much downward before as behind, insomuch that is like a camel in figure.
Josephus, The Jewish War, IV, 1
Situated northeast of the Sea of Galilee is an ancient town called Gamla. While not mentioned in the Bible, it would have been in existence during Jesus’ time. Its claim to fame was during the First Jewish Revolt. Vespasian and his troops besieged and destroyed the city.
Today it is a nature reserve. The site of the ancient town is clearly visible, bounded on three sides by deep valleys. The town was built on a steep slope, one person’s front yard being the roof of the next. This shape gave it its name: Gamla sounds like the Hebrew for camel. There was only one viable way to attach the city, which had a tall wall with tower guarding it. Evidence of the siege is still visible, especially with the large hole in the wall at one point. Josephus, the Jewish historian, records that when the city was defeated, its citizens rushed off the cliff to their deaths rather than face the brutality of the Romans. Replicas of Roman ballistas are displayed, pointing at the wall.
However, the history and archaeological remains are not the only thing to see. There is also beautiful scenery and birds to watch soaring overhead. The park is home to Israel’s largest raptor nesting colony.
