The Crossroads Shrine

A small wayside shrine located at the junction where the Hill Road branches off from the Inland Route, about halfway between Ashkelon and Tel Ashdod. The shrine marks an important decision point for travelers choosing their route.

Description

The shrine is modest - a small stone structure, barely large enough to walk into, with a niche holding a weathered stone idol whose features have been worn away by time and weather. The area around the shrine is kept clear, and stones mark the junction of the roads. Travelers have left offerings over the years: small coins, pottery shards with prayers scratched on them, strips of cloth tied to a nearby acacia tree.

Purpose

The shrine serves multiple purposes:

• A landmark marking the important junction
• A place to make offerings for safe travel
• A meeting point for caravans coordinating their routes
• A shelter in bad weather (though cramped)

Character

The shrine's deity (if it ever had one) is forgotten, but travelers still leave offerings out of prudent respect for any spirits watching over the crossroads. Local people maintain the shrine in a casual way, clearing debris and sometimes leaving water jugs for thirsty travelers.

Activity

The crossroads sees regular traffic:

• Merchants deciding whether to continue on the Inland Route or head into the hills via the Hill Road
• Farmers bringing produce from Tel Ashdod toward the coast
• Travelers seeking advice on which route to take
• Occasionally, people meeting at the shrine for discrete business

Connections

• Junction of the Inland Route and Hill Road
• About 4 miles from Ashkelon
• Halfway to Tel Ashdod (4 miles)
• Starting point for the journey to Ein Gedi