Gamala
Gamala (Gamla) was a Jewish fortified town in Northern Galilee (Golan Heights).
Overview
Gamala derives its name from gamal (Heb. camel) since it was situated on a hill shaped like a camel's hump. It was built as a fortress on inaccessible slopes by the Seleucids. Conquered by Alexander Jannaeus around 81 BCE, it became the center of the Jewish region of Gaulanitis. It was the hometown of Judah the Galilean, who led a tax revolt against the Romans in 6 CE.
During the Jewish War Josephus reinforced the fortifications of the city. It was the last settlement in the north to hold out against the Romans (67 CE). It was totally destroyed after a bloody siege.
Gamala in ancient sources
Josephus, Life
Life 46-47, 58, 61, 114, 177-179, 183-185.
Josephus, War
War 1.105, 166; 4.4-8, 11-54, 62-83;
Josephus, Antiquities
Ant 13.394-396; 18.4;
Gamala in scholarship
Gamala was excavated by S. Gutman on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority.