Elusa (Haluza)

Haluza
חלוצה‎ - الخلصة
Elusa (Haluza) is located in Israel
Elusa (Haluza)
Shown within Israel
Alternative nameHalasa
Chellous
al-Khalasa
Elusa
LocationSouthern District, Israel
RegionNegev
Coordinates31°05′49″N 34°39′07″E / 31.097°N 34.652°E / 31.097; 34.652
TypeSettlement
History
CulturesNabataean, Roman
Site notes
ConditionIn ruins
Official nameIncense Route - Desert Cities in the Negev (Haluza, Mamshit, Avdat and Shivta)
TypeCultural
Criteriaiii, v
Designated2005 (29th session)
Reference no.1107
RegionEurope and North America

The ancient city of Halasa or Chellous (Greek: Χελλοὺς), Elusa (Ελουϲα) in the Byzantine period, was a city in the Negev near present-day Kibbutz Mash'abei Sadeh that was once part of the Nabataean Incense Route. It lay on the route from Petra to Gaza.[1] Today it is known as Haluza (Hebrew: חלוצה), and during periods of Arab habitation it was known as al-Khalūṣ (Arabic: الخلوص; Early Muslim period) and Al-Khalasa (الخلصة; 20th century).[2]

In the 5th century it was surrounded by vineyards and was famous for its wines.[1]

Due to its historic importance, UNESCO declared Haluza a World Heritage Site along with Mamshit, Avdat and Shivta.

  1. ^ a b Carta's Official Guide to Israel, 1983.
  2. ^ Negev, Avraham; Gibson, Shimon (2001). Elusa (Haluza). New York and London: Continuum. pp. 156–158. ISBN 0-8264-1316-1. Retrieved 25 July 2021. {{cite book}}: |work= ignored (help)