Mampsis
Smallest but best restored ancient city in the Negev Desert.
Mampsis, known in Medieval Greek as Μάμψις, in Ancient Greek as Μέμφις, and today called Mamshit (ממשית) in Hebrew and Kurnub (كرنب) in Arabic, was originally a Nabataean caravan stop and later a Byzantine city. Situated in the Negev Desert, it served as a key point on the Incense Road, which linked Southern Arabia to Mediterranean ports via Edom, the Arabah, and Ma'ale Akrabim, and also connected to Jerusalem through Beersheba and Hebron. The site spans 10 acres (40,000 m²), making it the smallest ancient city in the Negev, yet it is the best preserved, featuring distinctive architecture unlike any other Nabataean settlement.
The reconstructed city allows visitors to imagine its original appearance. Many streets remain intact, alongside clusters of Nabataean buildings with open rooms, courtyards, and terraces. The stonework is finely chiseled, and the arches supporting the ceilings are notably well built. In June 2005, UNESCO declared the Incense Route—including Mampsis, Haluza, Avdat, and Shivta—a World Heritage Site.
The Medieval Greek name Mampsis appears on the Madaba map and in writings of Church Fathers. The Negev Naming Committee chose to Hebraize the name to Mamshit, with one member arguing it was "impossible to leave the name Mampsis because it's a foreign name"; the committee concluded Mamshit was the original Hebrew name, later distorted by the Greeks. The Arabic name Kurnub refers to a drink made from camel milk and date honey.
Mampsis was founded in the 1st century BCE as a trade post between Petra and Gaza, also relying on agriculture, and it continued to grow over time. When trade with the Roman occupation declined, the city turned to breeding fine horses, especially the renowned Arabian horse. In 106 CE, after annexation to the Roman Empire, a Roman garrison was stationed there to guard part of the southern border, and large dams were built around it—two of which survive today. During the Byzantine period, from the 3rd to the 5th centuries CE, Mampsis received support as a frontier city until the reign of Justinian I. When that funding stopped, the city declined and had nearly vanished by the mid-6th century CE. Before the founding of the State of Israel, future Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion envisioned Mampsis as the capital of the country, aligning with his goal of settling the Negev Desert.
The site was first mentioned by archaeologi
- Founded
- 1st century BCE
- Location
- Negev Desert
- Area
- 10 acres (40,000 m²)
- UNESCO Status
- World Heritage Site (June 2005)
- Known For
- Incense Road station, Arabian horse breeding, largest coin hoard in Israel
Lore & Background
Mampsis was founded in the 1st century BCE as a trade post between Petra and Gaza, also based on agriculture. When trade with the Roman occupation waned, the city developed a lucrative trade breeding fine horses, notably the renowned Arabian horse. In 106, after annexation to the Roman Empire, a Roman garrison was stationed there and large dams were built, two of which survive today. During the Byzantine period (3rd–5th centuries CE), it received support as a frontier city until the time of Justinian I; when funding ceased, the city declined and had practically ceased to exist by the middle of the 6th century CE.
Reader's Guide
Mampsis is significant as a well-preserved example of a Nabataean and Byzantine frontier settlement, offering insight into the Incense Route trade network and the region's architectural and economic history. Its reconstructed streets, courtyards, and terraces, along with carefully chiseled stones and well-constructed arches, provide a vivid sense of its past. The site's two churches—the western St. Nilus Church with a mosaic floor featuring geometric patterns, birds, a fruit basket, and Greek dedications, and the eastern church with a lectern on small marble pillars—highlight its Byzantine religious life. The discovery of the largest coin hoard in Israel (10,500 silver coins, 72 kg) and other wealth indicators underscore its economic importance. UNESCO recognized the Incense Route cities, including Mampsis, as a World Heritage Site in June 2005, cementing its global historical value.
Did You Know?
- The name Kurnub in Arabic refers to a drink made from camel milk and date honey.
- The biggest hoard ever found in Israel, consisting of 10,500 silver coins weighing 72 kg, was discovered in Mampsis.
- Before the founding of the State of Israel, David Ben-Gurion saw Mampsis as the capital of the future country.
- The Negev Naming Committee chose to Hebraize the name as Mamshit, concluding it was the original Hebrew name distorted by the Greeks.
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