Near Kalya in Megilot Council, West Bank, Palestinian Territories — The Middle East (West Asia)

The Scrolls Cave

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013

1. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A 2013 view of the marker.

Inscription. Bedouins discovered this cave in August of 1952. Fourteen thousand fragments of scrolls were unearthed as they sifted through the dust within. Archaeologists who reached the cave later, uncovered an additional 1,000 fragments. Scholars believe that a Roman soldier who entered the cave in 68 C.E. tore the scrolls intentionally, and that later, ravages by animals and climate inflicted further damage. As research proceeded the fragments of these scrolls were pieced together to produce 530 different scrolls. Publication of these scrolls was completed in 2001.

storage jars and a scroll

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1952.

Location. 31° 44.428′ N, 35° 27.496′ E. Marker is near Kalya, West Bank, in Megilot Council. Marker can be reached from National Route 90, 9 kilometers south of National Route 1, on the right when traveling south. Located near Highway 90 and about 1 kilometer from the western shores of the Dead Sea, in an archaeological site in the West Bank managed by Israel's Qumran National Park. Touch for map. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Work Area (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); Pottery Storeroom (about 120 meters away); The Refectory (about

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120 meters away); Kitchen (about 120 meters away); Kiln (about 120 meters away); The Bursar of the Congregation (about 120 meters away); Qumran / קומראן (about 150 meters away); The Community Rule (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kalya.

More about this marker. In 2019, because I traveled to Israel as part of a tour group, taking pictures of historical markers and recording location information for each marker that I photographed was a difficult assignment. Then too, having two bad knees and walking with a cane made keeping up with my tour group, much less recording location information as well, even more difficult. So I am using my Google Map skills, from at home, to provide the needed location information and map coordinates. Anyone that visits these markers is welcomed, and encouraged, to improve on the provided information.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 11, 2019

2. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A 2019 view of the marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013

3. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A 2013 view of our tour group gathered around the featured marker.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, March 11, 2013

4. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A 2013 view of the marker, with the featured cave seen across the valley on the side of the nearby ridge.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 11, 2019

5. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A 2019 view of the marker, situated on the edge of the ridge, next to a visitor viewing area.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 11, 2019

6. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A 2019 view of the marker, with the featured cave seen across the valley on the side of the nearby ridge.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 11, 2019

7. The Scrolls Cave Marker

Distant view of the ridge with the scrolls cave.

Photographed By Dale K. Benington, April 11, 2019

8. The Scrolls Cave Marker

A close up view of the scrolls cave.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 19, 2019. It was originally submitted on April 18, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on April 18, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio. 7, 8. submitted on April 19, 2019, by Dale K. Benington of Toledo, Ohio.