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GamlaThe remains of the city of Gamala lies on the Golan Hights. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "gamal" meening - a camel, as it is situated on a hill shaped like a camels rump. The city was founded by the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Yannaeus in the first century BCE Josephus Flavius was the Commander of Galilee during the Jewish Revolt against Rome and in 66 CE fortified Gamala as his main stronghold on the Golan (Antiquities of the Jews 13:394). He gives a very detailed topographical description of the city and describes the Roman siege under the command of Vespasian which led to its conquest in 67 CE. The Romans attempted to take the city by means of a siege ramp, but were turned back by the defenders; only on the second attempt did they succeed in penetrating the fortifications and conquering the city. Thousands of inhabitants were slaughtered, while others chose to jump to their deaths from the top of the cliff (Josephus, The Jewish War IV, 1-83).
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