Shivta
Shivta is an archaeological site and ancient Nabatean settlement located in the Negev Desert, southern Israel. The site spans over 200 hectares and dates back to the 3rd century BCE. It was an important hub for the Nabatean trade route, which connected the kingdom with the Mediterranean Sea and the Arabian Peninsula. The Nabateans were known for their advanced irrigation systems and sophisticated cultivation of fruits and grains in the harsh desert environment.
The ruins of Shivta are remarkably preserved, with several well-preserved mosaics, temples, and monasteries still standing.
Shivta was abandoned around the 12th century due to a combination of factors, including decline of the