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An Ancient Israeli Home – Exclusive to Katzrin Village
Have you ever wondered about ancient Israel, the Land of the Bible? How did people live? What were their houses like? How were they built? How did people keep their food fresh? What might their daily routine have looked like?
At Katzrin Village, we have reconstructed a typical home in the village on its original foundation, using the same stones laid by its ancient builders. With walls, window openings, doors, and a roof overhead, it is easier to envision the life that took place here 1,600 years ago!
The stone basalt rock is dark grey and each square stone that constitutes this house has been cut with great care and accuracy. As you approach this dwelling, you’ll notice an upper story with a small balcony, which looks out to a view of our extraordinary ancient synagogue. This must have been the house of a prominent family and indeed, there is a name inscribed next to the main entrance. Come see for yourself!
Am I allowed in uninvited? Yes! We welcome one and all into our abode! Perhaps you wish to hear a biblical story or a Talmudic fable that teaches an important life lesson? As you enter, you will see a little kitchen complete with mud hearth, a small domestic grinding wheel for flour, and even a storage area, where the family’s tools lie waiting for the annual wheat harvest.
Beyond the kitchen and generous storage area, you’ll see another room. Despite the low headroom as you duck under the doorway, you will be surprised on the other side! Sky-high ceilings are chic in this Talmudic neighbourhood. You are now in the ’great room’ – an open concept floor plan of the first to sixth century.
The ‘great room’ is a room for everything. This is where the family ate, played indoor games, read by the flame of an oil lamp, and where the kids lay down to sleep each night. The small wooden table in the corner and the benches covered in lamb wool rugs; the food storage tucked in at one side of the space, and the little stone ledges where they set the oil lamps for light in the evenings all hint at the various ways the room served the family.
Privacy is important, even in ancient Israel! Therefore, the parents had their own private room on the second floor, accessible only by a tall ladder. Even they needed their peace and quiet away from the children bunking downstairs: ”Goodnight, kids! See you at dawn when we arise to say our morning blessings and begin the daily chores.”
However, mother and father would generously give up their space for guests and sleep downstairs with the children. Not only was this an act of respect, but there was further purpose. The Disappearing Ladder is a Talmudic tale we tell to illustrate the significance of the gesture.
Our host will point out features of the home which were emphasised in the Talmudic writings and their relation to the architectural style of the home.
For instance, the reason we see small windows only at an awkward height, which didn’t allow for a view of the street or courtyard.
Outside at the back of the house was a stable, enclosed with a stone wall and gate, where domestic animals were kept. There was an access door from the parents’ bedroom to keep a close watch over the animals that provided their food and livelihood.
There is so much to discover in the living history site of Katzrin Village! Come and join us on one of our guided tours (currently provided in English, Spanish, and Hebrew) and/or a fun seasonal activity like making your own wine in the winepress, pressing olives for oil, or an authentic wheat harvest from the fields!
Ever wondered what the lifestyle of the people in the land of the bible was like? What did their ovens look like? Where and upon what did they sleep? Come find out for yourself! Step into an ancient and fully furnished home as you travel back in time and relive the old living quarters!
Ever wondered what the lifestyle of the people in the land of the bible was like? What did their ovens look like? Where and upon what did they sleep? Come find out for yourself! Step into an ancient and fully furnished home as you travel back in time and relive the old living quarters!
About us
Imagine an ancient village. With houses built of stone, fruit trees laden and simple, beautiful people dressed in colorful costumes walking the cobblestone alleys. At the end of the path surrounded by the scents of hyssop and rosemary stands a man dressed in a long robe, he smiles and laughs at you but he looks a little different. He invites you to enter
Ancient Katzrin Village
Tel. 04-69696350
parkat10@gmail.com
Welcome to Ancient Katzrin . A village that combines great colors with nature, experiences and a variety of activities for all ages. Ancient Katzrin is built around a 1,600-year-old synagogue with olive groves
Imagine an ancient village. With houses built of stone, trees laden with fruit, and simple, beautiful people dressed in colorful costumes walking the cobblestone alleyways. At the end of the path wrapped in the scents of hyssop and rosemary stands a man dressed in a long robe, he smiles and laughs at you but he looks a little different. He invites you to enter.
Welcome to Ancient Katzrin. An ancient village that combines great colors with nature, experiences and a variety of activities for all ages. Katzrin Village
Built around a 1,600-year-old synagogue with olive groves
Contact
Ancient Katzrin Village
Tel. 04-69696350
parkat10@gmail.com