Tracing the Ancient Route from Jerusalem to Ait Benhaddou
More than a decade ago, I traveled to the Sahara Desert. During my trip I learned about a group of Jews that caravaned from Jerusalem to the Sahara Desert just south of Ait Benhaddou around the year 1100 AD. The ancient routes traversed by civilizations have always fascinated historians and explorers alike. Among these pathways, the journey from Jerusalem to Ait Benhaddou in the Sahara Desert highlights the interconnectedness of cultures across massive landscapes. For the ancient Jews, this route held significant importance, intertwining trade, pilgrimage, language and cultural exchange.
The Departure from Jerusalem
The journey began in Jerusalem, the spiritual and cultural heart of ancient Judaism. Departing from this revered city, travelers made their way through the rugged terrain of the Judaean Desert, braving its harsh conditions as they headed southwest towards the Sinai Peninsula where the Jew’s forefather, Moses, once dwelled.
Crossing the Sinai
The ancient Sinai Peninsula was a crucial corridor for trade and travel in antiquity, connecting the Levant to the Nile…
