Jotaparta

E5 on the Map

Khirbet. Jefat. Roman period name of Jotbah; in Jewish War of A.D. 66-70 fortified against the Romans. Josephus speaks of tomber cut down for Vespasian's seige (iii Wars, vii, 8; cf. 6:2). Since olives were abundant in Galilee there was an ancient proverb "It is easier to raise a legion of olives in Galilee than bring up a child in Palestine." (Talmud) The abundance of olive oil in Galilee is well illustrated where the city defenders of Jotaparta poured great quantities upon the attacking Roman soldiers (Josephus, iii Wars, vii, 28).