Book Discussion: The Malhata Fortress on the Roman-Judaean Negev Frontier: Associated with a Roman Road, the Frankincense Trail, and a Princely Fugitive (The Herods: A Reappraisal of a Misunderstood Dynasty)
What emotions or challenges do you imagine Agrippa I experienced while seeking refuge in the desolate Negev desert? How might this have shaped him as a leader?
Malhata was strategically located on crossroads and trade routes. How do you think the design and purpose of such fortresses influenced their role in ancient geopolitics?
The Frankincense Trail connected the Arabian Peninsula with Roman Palestine. What might have been the economic and cultural impacts of such ancient trade networks on frontier settlements?