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Machaerus was Herod the Great’s mountain top fortress (see photo below), located a few miles east of the Dead Sea, in modern day Jordan. In the middle of this fortified outpost, Herod built a splendid palace with towers two hundred feet high, colonnades, baths (ruins in above photo), cisterns, arsenals—everything necessary for a life of luxury and defense against an enemy’s siege. From the palace, 3,500 feet above sea level, Herod would have had a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, and
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Today, if you go to Jordan, you can see the ruins of this castle and the dungeon where John was likely kept. If you've never been on a tour of the "holy land" I encourage you to consider going. Walking where the disciples and Jesus lived and died, is an experience that is hard to put into words. It is faith-strengthening to say the least.