Mukawer

Had the ancient name of Makhrath and the Greco-Roman name of Machaerus. Alexander Jannaeus (103-76 BC) built a fortress on this steep, isolated hilltop and Herod the Great (37-4 BC) rebuilt the stronghold after it was destroyed by the oman general Gabinius. This is the traditional spot where John the Baptist was held a prisoner and later beheaded (Matthew 14:l-12); (Mark 6:14-29); (Luke 9:9). The fortress was laid siege to and destroyed by the Romans in AD 72. Today only ruins of the foundations of Herod’s fortress remain. There are also several cisterns and caves, which were used as prisoner cells.