An Early Bishop’s Impression of the Place
…Acre, he found, was “totally depraved.” Murders took place constantly, the town was “filled with prostitutes,” and residents — many of whom he believed to be outlaws who had fled their own lands — were “utterly devoted to pleasures of the flesh.”
Acre was “like a monster or a beast having nine heads, each fighting the other,” the bishop wrote.
…reminded me of Obi Wan and Mos Eislely (NSFW).
Lucky for all of us, in the miraculous way things happen, Acre has re-emerged from the ashes unscathed.
Archaeologists Uncover Ruins of Crusader City
ACRE, Israel – Off the track beaten by most Holy Land tourists lies one of the richest archaeological sites in a country full of them: the walled port of Acre, where the busy alleys of an Ottoman-era town cover a uniquely intact Crusader city now being rediscovered.
Preparing to open a new subterranean section to the public, workers cleaned stones this week in an arched passageway underground.
Etched in plaster on one wall was a coat of arms — graffiti left by a medieval traveler. Nearby was a main street of cobblestones and a row of shops that once sold clay figurines and ampules for holy water, popular souvenirs for pilgrims.
All were last used by residents in 1291, the year a Muslim army from Egypt defeated Acre’s Christian garrison and leveled its remains.
The existing city, built by the Ottoman Turks around 1750, effectively preserved this earlier town, which had been hidden for centuries under the rubble.
“It’s like Pompeii of Roman times — it’s a complete city,” said Eliezer Stern, the Israeli archaeologist in charge of Acre. He called the town “one of the most exciting sites in the world of archaeology.”
Like Crusader said in an email after major dad sent the link around ~ it’s amazing how these cities are buried intact.
How. COOL.
Fun, Life, World Stuff | tree hugging sister | 
June 22, 2011 9:59 am
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Sounds like a destination spot…
That Mos Eisley clip made me laugh – I know the movie by heart and I wasn’t expecting that description 😀
I hope you didn’t have the speakers blaring at the office… 🙂
Indeed, Major Dad. Maybe a great location for a second honeymoon?
Hmm, I don’t know Jeffs, since we never had a 1st honeymoon THS might not go along with that destination.
Never had a 1st honeymoon?!?!?!?! You should fix that. I bet THS would be impressed! Take a tour of Swilling readers. Dinners on me!
I second that motion!
Great idea, Mike! They can swing by my place, and tour the wineries, creating instant jealousy with Mr. Bingley.
Oh, and they can visit this wonderful attraction as well!
You familiar with that place Jeffs or just the residents? Don’t forget THS abhors flying, can’t get her on a plane. Just ask Bing.