Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Midya and the Macabee graves

The tombs of the ancient Macabees are still a mystery today. The writings of Josephus describe them as pyramids from which the sea can be viewed, but the memorial site that is marked  in Modiin is questioned. Many historians believe instead that the ruins in the forest close by that have not been excavated may be the actual burial place. Hirbat Sher is another suspected place, where Hasmonean tombs have been discovered—some with ornate inscriptions.  This location was discovered in 1907 by a group of Jewish school children who were directed there by an Arab sheepherder who described the area as the tomb of the Jews. 

The Arab town of al Midya is also a possible location for the tombs. Excavations at er-Ras, a nearby hill, revealed a tomb with a view of the sea. This location was proposed as the original location of Modiin in 1866 by Father Emmanuel Forner, a French Franciscan monk,  for a few reasons. 

Firstly, the tomb found there matched the description of the tomb of the Macabees, as found in the writings of Josephus. The 19^th century excavation revealed seven triangular tombs with a view of the sea.

Secondly, some believe its location corresponds with the location of the ancient city of Modiin according to descriptions in the Mishnah. 

Since 1948, candles have been lit on Chanukah to commemorate this as a place connected to the great battle.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Titura Hill

Last time we looked at Um El Umdan; another possible location of the ancient Modiin is Titura Hill, an archeological site in the middle of modern Modiin. 

Remains have been found dating back to the 8^th century BCE, distinguishing this as a thriving city, not just a village like Um El Umdan (link to the Um El Umdan blog) is thought to be. The size of the city throughout history, along with the continuing habitation of the location, are some arguments presented by historians to establish this as the remains of ancient Modiin.

The story of the Macabees states that the tomb of the Macabees is built with a view of the sea.  Titura Hill also fulfills this requirement, as the sea can be seen from it on clear days.

The Hasmonean city was dismantled and the stones were used to build the crusader fortress, and other buildings which are there today.  Ruins can be visited from the Hasmonean period, through the Roman and Byzantine and Crusader periods and include wine presses and olive presses, water cisterns and caves used for hiding during the Bar Kokhba revolt. 

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.

Where was ancient Modiin, the home of the Macabees? A look at Um El Umdan

Where are the ruins of ancient Modiin? Historians have argued about it for years. Um El Umdan is one possibility. 

The ruins of what is assumed by many to be the home of the Macabees in ancient Modiin can still be seen peeking out of the south edge of modern Modiin, on the road from Latrun to Modiin. Shmuel and I made a special trip this week in honor of Chanukah.

The ruins of Um El Umdan date back to the Hasmonean period;  according to some sources Um El Umdan was the home of the Macabees, the leaders of the struggle against the Greeks and Greek culture in Eretz Israel, and the heroes of our Chanukah story.  

A few things to check out:

The ancient synagogue located there is actually the origin of the Arabic name for the ruins: Um El Umdan means “mother of the pillars,” which were the central focus of the beautiful structure. Although the pillars were looted, their placement is still apparent when pointed out. 

The foundations of the town also included a row of houses, a marketplace and a ritual bath. These have recently been covered up to protect them.

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IsraelExperts is a fully-licensed Israel tour operator; our head office is in Israel. Comprised of experienced Israel destination professionals, logistics experts, informal educators and accredited tour guides, IsraelExperts works with major organizations around the world in the field of Israel-Diaspora relations and Israel education, and offers you its ability to provide quality innovative programs. You can find us on line at www.israelexperts.com or contact us at education@israelexperts.com for more information.