Mukawer was formerly known as Machaerus. Here is where the John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed. This 720 m hill overlooks the Dead Sea and is surrounded by deep ravines on the three sides. A fortress was first built here by the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Jannaeus in 90 BC. It was later restored by Herod the Great who built a wall around the summit with a palace in the middle.
John the Baptist condemned Herod Antipas for marrying his brother's wife, Herodias. When Herodias' daughter, Salome danced for Herod Antipas on his birthday he was so delighted that he was willing to give her half his kingdom. But she asked for the head of John the Baptist.
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