− | '''Mamre''', full Hebrew name ''Elonei Mamre'' ("Oaks of Mamre"), is where [[Abraham]] built an altar ([[Genesis]] [[13:18]]). An ancient well, more than 5 [[Metre|m]] in diameter, is referred to as Abraham's Well. It is perhaps also where [[David]] reigned, as archaeological excavations show signs of towers and walls from Davidic kingdom and early [[monarchy]]. A 2 m thick stone wall enclosing area 60 m wide and 83 m long was constructed by [[Herod the Great]], possibly as place of worship or walled compound serving later as market place or caravanserai. [[Hadrian]] chose the site to sell remnants of [[Bar Kochba]]'s army into slavery. | + | '''Mamre''', full [[Hebrew]] name ''Elonei Mamre'' ("Oaks of Mamre"), is where [[Abraham]] built an [[altar]] ([[Genesis]] [[13:18]]). An ancient well, more than 5 m in diameter, is referred to as Abraham's Well. It is perhaps also where David reigned, as [[Archaeology|archaeological]] excavations show signs of towers and walls from Davidic kingdom and early [[monarchy]]. A 2m thick stone wall enclosing area 60m wide and 83m long was constructed by [[Herod the Great]], possibly as place of [[worship]] or walled compound serving later as market place or caravanserai. [[Hadrian]] chose the site to sell remnants of [[Bar Kochba]]'s army into slavery. |
− | The ground was reconsecrated by [[Constantine I of the Roman Empire|Constantine]] with the [[Basilica]] of the Terebinth of Mamre, the foundations of which are still visible. It has been desolate since the [[Arab]] conquest in [[7th century]]. | + | The ground was reconsecrated by the [[Emperor Constantine]] with the Basilica of the Terebinth of Mamre, the foundations of which are still visible. It has been desolate since the [[Arab]] conquest in [[7th century]]. |
| Mamre is also the name of one of the [[Canaan]]ite chiefs who joined his forces with those of Abraham in pursuit of [[Chedorlaomer]] to save [[Lot]]. ([[Gen. 14:13,24]]) | | Mamre is also the name of one of the [[Canaan]]ite chiefs who joined his forces with those of Abraham in pursuit of [[Chedorlaomer]] to save [[Lot]]. ([[Gen. 14:13,24]]) |