What is Qumran?:
Khirbet Qumran is thought to have been an Essene colony. Archaeological excavations have found evidence of human habitation going back to at least the 2nd and possibly even the 9th century BCE when it may have been a fortress. Studies indicate the presence of kitchens, storerooms, and more which would have been built by John Hyrcanus (135-140 BCE).
Khirbet Qumran is thought to have been an Essene colony. Archaeological excavations have found evidence of human habitation going back to at least the 2nd and possibly even the 9th century BCE when it may have been a fortress. Studies indicate the presence of kitchens, storerooms, and more which would have been built by John Hyrcanus (135-140 BCE).
Where is Qumran?:
Qumran is a wadi (water course) that cuts through the limestone cliffs on the northwest corner of the Dead Sea, about 13 km south of Jericho. Khirbet means “ruined place” and Khirbet Qumran is beside the wadi.
Qumran is a wadi (water course) that cuts through the limestone cliffs on the northwest corner of the Dead Sea, about 13 km south of Jericho. Khirbet means “ruined place” and Khirbet Qumran is beside the wadi.
Why is Qumran important?:
The Qumran site was abandoned some time shortly after the First Jewish Revolt which ended in 70 CE. It is likely, though, that the community was destroyed by Vespasian in 68 CE when he attacked Jericho and then quartered some of his troops there.
The Qumran site was abandoned some time shortly after the First Jewish Revolt which ended in 70 CE. It is likely, though, that the community was destroyed by Vespasian in 68 CE when he attacked Jericho and then quartered some of his troops there.
The Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered near Qumarn in 1947 and are believed to have been created by the Essenes living there. The incredibly dry atmosphere of the region helped protect the scrolls which were stored in clay pots and then sealed in caves, perhaps to help prevent them from being destroyed by the Romans.
