Amatzia
Amatzia, meaning strength of God, was a king of Judah who reigned over Judah between 796-792 BC. This archaeological site is located in a small park to the east of Ashkelon and south of Beit Guvrin. Amatzia is a complex of caves which was used during the Bar Kochba Revolt in the 2nd century by the Jewish revolutionaries. The caves at Amatzia were inhabited by about 300 people. The site, which has been reconstructed, incorporated a subterranean synagogue, a sentry area, water cisterns, oil press and covert hiding places.
Other attractions in the area are Ekron, one of the five famous Philistine Cities. It was founded in the 12th century BC and during the Assyrian era became the major manufacturing center for olive oil in the Near East. Over one hundred oil presses were excavated here. Other archaeological artifacts and a recreated Philistine street can be see at nearby Kibbutz Revadim. Amatzia, a moshav inhabited by both secular and religious Israelis is situated in the same region and is named after the King of Judah.