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This dummies guide is going to show you all the facts of the Judea Desert. This guide is also going to introduce topics like the climate and people there. Shown on the right: Figure 1, is a picture of the Judean Desert.
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Geography:
The Judean Desert is bordered by the mountains of Judea and also by the Dead Sea. It is located very near to Jerusalem in Israel, a country in the Middle East. Although it is a small desert (about 1500 km2), there are lots of beautiful views such as the mountains, canyons and riverbeds. Close to the Judean Desert is Christianity, apparently the Baptism site on the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist. It is a very important site, and the Christians believed that the Jordan River's water is very sacred, which is why many people go there to wash themselves in there. Figure 2 shows a map of the Judean Desert and its surroundings: Jerusalem, Dead Sea etc.
Climate:
During the summer or hot weather, the Judean Desert's temperature can reach up to 40°C and above. When it is winter, the desert is windy and sometimes even have a slightly snowy day.
People:
One of the first group of people who lived in the Judean Desert were special monks (known as the Laura) which was during the Byzantine period (about 1500 years ago). Then came the jewish rebels who fled to the Judean desert and fortified in the strongholds there. There were also many other escapers who fled to this desert to hide away from enemies and such, which is why the Judean Desert became known as a hiding place for refugees
and rebels.
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Animals:
In the Judean Desert, there is one type of animal which was found living there. It is the ibex. The ibex comes from the mountain goats. It has a very long curved horn which curls all the way back, which makes it look half goat, half bull. Do not go near it, unless you want to get hit.