Section HCaves close to ancient village of Arbel (Leibner's Site 36, Arbel Caves West) click text to see the picture 601 The trail ends in front of a wall of rock, as the cliffs now turn sharply west, towards the Arbel stream 602 On this stretch, the slope becomes steep and treacherous 603 Treacherous for cows as well, who can fall to their death 604 Unsurprisingly, there are very few caves in this section 605 But just beyond the ridge there are many more 606 This group of caves are also ancient (early 1st cent. BCE) 607 And are known as Arbel Caves West (Leibner's term) 608 These caves are accessible, up a very steep slope 609 Mt. Nitai is closer, the slopes of Wadi Arbel are steeper 610 The nearest cave is a natural cave, with no signs of adaption by humans. It is now a refuge for cows. 611 Beyond the cave there is a steep drop 612 The view is southwest, upstream along Wadi Arbel. 613 The cave is dank and dark inside 614 And disappears into the bowels of the earth, 615 ....getting smaller and smaller 616 It is refreshing to be outside again, on the steep slopes 617 Adaptation for human habitation is evident, giving the area a village atmosphere. However, access is much more difficult here than in the Arbel Caves East. 618 The group of caves on the right of this picture evokes the episode narrated by Josephus, when his soldiers were lowered in a chest to take out the rebels hiding within (JW 1.305-25; Ant 14.415-17; 421-30). 619 The slopes appear to have been terraced and cultivated, 620 ....up to quite recent times. Here the cliffs come to an end and the ruins of the ancient village of Arbel lie nearby.
Section HCaves close to ancient village of Arbel (Leibner's Site 36, Arbel Caves West) click text to see the picture