Memphis

Not the memphis in Tennessee, nor the one in Egypt. Israel has its own Memphis, also knows as Mamshit.

This was a departure from our itinerary - a very interesting spot where a Nabatean city stood. Wikipedia has an entry about it here.

The Nabateans were an Arab culture who specialized in the spice trade, bringing expensive spices and perfumes by camel caravan from China and the Far East to the Mediterranean port at Gaza, where it could then be shipped to Europe. They were nomadic, but after some time established cities, Mamshit being one of them.

Mamshit was later occupied by the Romans. Byzantine architecture is apparent here, as are two distinct churches.

As I remember it, we came here after Tel Arad, and before arriving at our hotel in Mizpe Ramon. By the way, the food at the hotel in Mizpe Ramon was among the best of our entire trip, in my humble opinion.