Herodium is a fortress and palace built by King Herod the Great in the 1st century BC. It is located about 12 kilometers south of Jerusalem, in the West Bank, near the present-day city of Bethlehem. Herodium is known for its characteristic shape – an artificial hill with a circular fortress on top, which makes it a unique archaeological site.
Herod had this monumental structure built to serve as his palace, as a fortress and also as his final resting place. Remains of a luxurious palace, baths, gardens and an amphitheater have been discovered at the site, as well as the tomb of Herod, confirming the historical accounts of this place. Herodium is one of the most important archaeological sites from the time of ancient Judea and testifies to the wealth and power of King Herod.

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Herod great