In the Judean desert, a complex past is being unearthed into a complicated present. This site, at Tala’at Ad-Dam, sits along an ancient pilgrimage route to Jerusalem, one Jesus’ parents were said to have walked.
Back then, this land was called Judea, after the people who would become known as the Jews. Over the centuries, it would be conquered by empires of varying beliefs. It’s one of at least 5,000 archaeological sites here, a place most commonly known as the West Bank. Some call it by its ancient or Biblical name — Judea and Samaria. The U.N. says it’s occupied Palestinian
Our editorial team includes several staff writers, each contributing their specialized knowledge to enhance the depth and breadth of our event and story coverage.