Hasmonean and Herodian royal winter palaces

31°51′13.35″N 35°26′1.44″E / 31.8537083°N 35.4337333°E / 31.8537083; 35.4337333

The Hasmonean and Herodian royal winter palaces, or the Hasmonean and Herodian palaces at Jericho, are a complex of Hasmonean and Herodian buildings from the Second Temple period, which were discovered in the western plain of Jericho valley, at Tulul Abu el-'Alayiq, near the place where the Roman road connecting Jericho with Jerusalem enters Wadi Qelt.^[1] Two tells are located on either side of Wadi Qelt.

The palaces are evidence of the luxurious lifestyle of the Hasmonean dynasty and of Herod the Great. They made extensive use of swimming pools, bathhouses, ornamental gardens and orchards. The palaces were not far from Jerusalem – 20 km along the ancient Roman road^[2] (see "ascent of Adummim").