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Timna Valley Park is a national park in the Negev desert of Israel and home to the world's oldest copper mines. It is located approximately 25km north of Eilat, at the southern tip of Israel. The park is noted for its natural sandstone formations, including King Solomon’s Pillars, the “Mushroom,” the “Arches,” and the “Sleeping Lion.” The copper mines are at least 6,000 years old and were worked almost continuously by the Egyptians, Romans, Nabateans, and Umayyads, among others. Ancient mine shafts and rock carvings, a temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Hathor, and a replica of the biblical Tabernacle are some of the sites the national park offers to its visitors, in addition to its natural archaeological formations. Timna Lake, created by the Jewish National Fund within the park, provides many family activities for tourists, as well as shopping and dining. The remains of the mines were discovered at the end of the 19th century, but scientific and public interest were minimal until the 1930’s, when American archaeologist Nelson Glueck theorized that the mines were connected to King Solomon. Excavations from 1959 to 1990 allowed archaeologists to reconstruct the history of the copper mines from 4,000 BCE to the Middle Ages.

History
It is against this spectacular, historically rich backdrop, that in 1959, Timna Valley was catapulted from historical legend to present-day wonderland. Professor Beno Rothenberg, director of the Institute for Archeo-Metalurgical Studies at University College, London, led the Arabah Expedition that year. He eventually uncovered 10,000 mines and smelting camps representing every previous mining period, as well as rock drawings, King Solomon's Pillars, shrines, temples, jewelry, and other artifacts never before found anywhere in the world. [jnf] This sleepy section of desert just 18 miles north of the Red Sea resort town of Eilat became the site of Israel's finest national park, and an important centerpiece in the Negev, helping to fulfill David Ben-Gurion's dream of drawing people to the region. [jnf]

The park is located approximately 25 kilometers north of Eilat, in the middle of the Red Sea Desert. The horseshoe-shaped park, created by tectonic plate movement tens of millions of years ago, spreads out over an area of 60 square kilometers and is part of the Syrian-African rift. [timna site]

As the oldest center of copper production in the ancient world - and the most extensive example of early mining in existence, Timna Valley hosted miners as early as the 5th millennium BCE. At the end of the 14th century BCE, as the Egyptian Empire grew and word of the copper-rich area spread, the Egyptians established a trade route leading directly through the Timna Valley. It was also at this time that the Midianites from the northwestern Arabian Peninsula joined Egypt in tapping the rich copper mines. Long after Egyptian control of the area declined in the 12th century BCE, the advanced Midianite culture remained. It left its mark indelibly upon the land not only through such relics as the Temple of Hathor and thousands of ceremonial items, but also through its connection to the Jewish Exodus from Egypt. In fact, the Bible recounts the tale of Jethro, the high priest of Midian at the time, and his fateful trip through Timna and meeting with his future son-in-law, Moses - a key stepping stone in creating what would become the Children of Israel. These Children of Israel, along with Nabateans and Muslims from the Arabian Peninsula, were among those who mined the Timna Valley until the area's metals became scarce. [JNF] Timna boasts the world's earliest copper mine, dating from the time when man first began to smelt this metal. Here, also, the technological revolution started, when metal began to be used in daily life. The Egyptians established an enormous copper mining operation in this breathtaking location, between the fourteenth and twelfth centuries BCE from the reign of Seti I through Ramses V. Their partners in this venture were the Midianites from the northern Arabian Peninsula. The ancient Egyptians used donkeys to transport the copper ingots to the only natural port on the Gulf of Eilat, located at Coral Island. Some researchers speculate that this island was also the site of the port that was built and renovated by King Solomon in "Etzion-Geber, which is beside Eloth, on the shore of the Red Sea, in the Land of Edom" (Kings I). Mining continued through the Roman period, the first and second centuries CE, as well as after the Arab conquest. [timna site]

Ever since man discovered, in the 6th millennium BCE, how to turn a piece of rock into malleable metal, copper has been mined and smelted in the Timna Valley even in modern times, by the Israeli Timna Mining Company, which is no longer in production. [gov site]

Copper Mines 10000000 different mines found nearby

Bringing with them much more sophisticated mining wisdom, the Egyptians used metal chisels and hoes and excavated very regular, tubular shafts, with footholds in the walls for moving as far down as 30 meters to reach the copper.[holiday in israel]

Some 20 different walking trails snake throughout the valley, letting you further explore some of the most famous attractions, such as the Temple of Hathor and King Solomon's Pillars - natural sandstone pillars once thought to be smelting furnaces. [jnf]

Extensive remains of human activity during early periods are still visible in the rugged hills. There is evidence of copper mining in shafts and galleries and copper smelting in furnaces of various types, and there are remains of camps and several cult sites, including an Egyptian mining sanctuary.[gov]

The existence of the remains of copper production at Timna was known from surveys conducted at the end of last century, but scientific attention and public interest was aroused when in the 1930s Nelson Glueck attributed the copper mining at Timna to King Solomon (10th century BCE) and named the site "King Solomons Mines"; this theory has not been verified by subsequent field work.

Surveys and excavations in the Timna Valley were conducted between 1959 and 1990. From the surprising findings it is now possible to reconstruct the long and complex history of copper production there, from the Late Neolithic period to the Middle Ages. Mining activities in the Timna Valley reached a peak during the reign of the Pharaohs of the 14th12th centuries BCE, when Egyptian mining expeditions, in collaboration with Midianites and local Amalekites, turned the Timna Valley into a large-scale copper industry.[gov]

The Arava Expedition, headed by Professor Beno Rothenberg, has excavated and restored the various sites in Timna Park over the past thirty years.[timna site]

Geological Features
Beyond the historical copper mines, Timna Valley attracts geologists and nature lovers with its rare stone formations and sand. Although predominantly red, the sand can be yellow, orange, grey, dark brown, or black. One can also find light green or blue sand near the copper mines. [maybe not legit site] Water and wind erosion have created several unique formations that are only found in similar climates.

King Solomon's Pillars
The most striking and well-known formation in Timna Valley is Solomon's Pillars. The pillars are natural structures that were formed by centuries of water erosion through a crack in the sandstone cliff until it became a series of distinct, pillar-shaped structures.

They caused a surge of attention when American archaeologist Nelson Glueck claimed that the pillars were related to King Solomon in the 1930's and gave them the name "Solomon's Pillars." No information has proved this theory, and generally it is not accepted. However, the name stuck, and the claim gave the valley the attention that helped bring about the current national park and excavations.

The pillars are known to be the stunning backdrop for evening concerts and dance performances the park presents in the summer. [frommers}

Mushroom
Along the roads you'll notice "the Mushroom," a curious rock formation with a huge boulder resting on a column of sandstone, the result of erosion. [frommers] One of the most famous sights in Timna is The Mushroom, a red sandstone rock so shaped by wind and water that it indeed looks like a gigantic mushroom. [maybe not legit site]

This fantastic mushroom-shaped sculpture was carved by the natural forces of humidity and wind. The Mushroom is surrounded by a compound that contains sites where copper ore was smelted between the 14th and 12th centuries BCE. [timna site]

Arches
The walking trail that leads to the Arches takes you past caves and mine shafts where, 6,000 years ago, one of the most significant technological revolutions in human history began: copper mining and production. Approximately 10,000 mine shafts have been found in this area. The natural arches formed by erosion can be seen along the western cliff and make this site a favorite with photographers.[timna site]

Shrine of Hathor
Climb into the fins along a path with steps to see some Egyptian rock carvings, and then down the steps on the other side to the remains of a small temple dedicated to the Egyptian goddess Hathor. [frommers] At the foot of the Solomon's Pillars, a small Egyptian temple was excavated. Dedicated to Hathor, the Egyptian goddess of mining, it was founded during the reign of Pharaoh Seti I (1318-1304 BCE) and served the members of the Egyptian mining expeditions and also their local co-workers. The sanctuary consisted of an open courtyard measuring 9 x 6 m., with a naos (cult chamber), where a niche had been cut into the rock, apparently to house a statue of Hathor. The temple was badly damaged by an earthquake and rebuilt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II (1304-1237 BCE), with an enlarged courtyard (10 x 9 m.) and a new, solid white floor. The walls were made of local sandstone and granite but the facade was of white sandstone from the mining area. [holiday in israel] The temple, with its two square columns bearing Hathor heads, must have been an exciting sight in the light of the rising sun. In the temple courtyard there was a workshop for casting copper figurines as votive offerings. Among the finds in this temple were hieroglyphic inscriptions including cartouches (seals) of most of the pharaohs who reigned in the 14th-12th centuries BCE. There were also numerous other Egyptian-made votive offerings, including many copper objects, alabaster vessels, cat and leopard figurines of faience, seals, beads and scarabs as well as Hathor sculptures, figurines and plaques. Altogether several thousand artifacts were uncovered in the Egyptian temple. [holiday in israel] The shrine of Hathor in Timna was constructed at the foot of "Solomon's Pillars" at the end of the fourteenth century BCE, during the reign of Seti I.

Hathor was one of the most ancient of the goddesses and was known by many names: Goddess of the Mines, The Eye of Ra, Lady of the Hawk, Goddess of Turquoise, and Goddess of Love, Mirth, and Joy are just a few of these names.

The dimensions of the original shrine were 15 meters by 15 meters, and it was faced with white sandstone that was found only at the mining site, several kilometers away.

An Egyptian rock carving, showing Ramses III with the goddess, can be seen at the top of steps built beside the shrine. [timna site]

At the foot of the huge sandstone formation in the center of the Timna Valley known as "King Solomons Pillars," a small Egyptian temple was excavated. Dedicated to Hathor, Egyptian goddess of mining, it was founded during the reign of Pharaoh Seti I (1318-1304 BCE) and served the members of the Egyptian mining expeditions and also their local co-workers. The sanctuary consisted of an open courtyard measuring 9 x 6 m., with a naos (cult chamber), where a niche had been cut into the rock, apparently to house a statue of Hathor. The temple was badly damaged by earthquake and rebuilt during the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II (1304-1237 BCE), with an enlarged courtyard (10 x 9 m.) and a new, solid white floor. The walls were made of local sandstone and granite but the facade was of white sandstone from the mining area. The temple, with its two square columns bearing Hathor heads, must have been an exciting sight in the light of the rising sun. In the temple courtyard there was a workshop for casting copper figurines as votive offerings. Among the finds in this temple were hieroglyphic inscriptions including cartouches (seals) of most of the pharaohs who reigned in the 14th12th centuries BCE. There were also numerous other Egyptian-made votive offerings, including many copper objects, alabaster vessels, cat and leopard figurines of faience, seals, beads and scarabs as well as Hathor sculptures, figurines and plaques. Altogether several thousand artifacts were uncovered in the Egyptian temple.

With the decline of Egyptian control of the region in the middle of the 12th century BCE, the mines at Timna and the Hathor temple were abandoned. However, cultic activities in the temple were restored by the Midianites, who remained in Timna for a short period after the Egyptians left. They cleared most traces of the Egyptian cult and effaced the images of Hathor and the Egyptian hieroglyphic inscriptions on the stelae. Other changes were made: a row of mazeboth (stelae), was erected and a bench of offerings was built on both sides of the entrance. Remains of woolen cloth found along the courtyard walls provide evidence that the Midianites turned the Egyptian temple into a tented desert shrine. Among the finds in this Midianite shrine was a large number of votive gifts brought especially from Midian, including beautifully decorated Midianite pottery and metal jewelry. Of particular significance is the find of a copper snake with gilded head. It is reminiscent of the copper serpent described in Numbers 21:6-9.

The evidence of a sophisticated Midianite culture, as found in Timna, is of extraordinary importance in the light of the Biblical narrative of the meeting of Moses and Jethro, high priest of Midian, and the latters participation in the organization and cult of the Children of Israel in the desert. (Exodus 18)

The survey and excavations at Timna were conducted by B. Rotenberg, on behalf of the Arava Expedition under the auspices of the Haaretz Museum of Tel Aviv, the Institute of Archeology, Tel Aviv University and (since 1974) the Institute for Archeo-Metallurgical Studies of University College, London. [gov]

Rock Drawings
about 3km (2 miles) from the mines, along a side road, is a parking area from which you make a short walk to see a cliff wall carved with figures in chariots, believed to be from Egyptian times. [frommers] Drawings carved onto the stone facades in the Timna Valley provide a record of the rituals and lifestyles of the people who lived in this area. The carvings, that date from the Egyptian-Midianite periods of activity in the region, offer hints about plants and wildlife that existed in the area as well as the life and work of the people who dwelled here.

For instance, a rock carving of gazelles, ibex, and ostriches, found on a high ridge of sand, suggests that ostriches were once native to this area.

The most famous of the carvings, the 'Chariots', is situated within a narrow canyon. Ox-drawn chariots with their Egyptian charioteers armed with axes and shields are easily identifiable in this large rock drawing.[timna site]

inscription nearby [the pillars] depicts the Egyptian pharaoh Ramses III offering gifts to the goddess Hathor. [holiday in israel]

Replica of the Tabernacle
At Timna Park, 20 miles north of Eilat in the Arabah, a life-size replica of the biblical tabernacle has been constructed. While no original materials (e.g., gold, silver, bronze) have been used, the model is accurate in every other way based upon the biblical description. The bronze laver and bronze altar were located in the outer court. The altar was 7.5 feet square and 4.5 feet high, was made of acacia wood overlaid with bronze, and had a horn on each corner. The fire on the altar was to be kept burning at all times and the daily sacrifices were offered in the morning and afternoon. This sacred area was occupied by the golden lampstand, incense altar and table of showbread. The lampstand (menorah) was beaten and fashioned out of a single block of gold and had three branches coming out of each side of the central shaft. The seven lamps on top of the branches were likely round saucers with pinched rims which held the wick and olive oil. Opposite the menorah was the table of showbread. Built of acacia wood and overlaid with solid gold, the table had a surface of 3 x 1.5 feet. Twelve loaves of bread were placed on the table on Shabbat and were replaced by fresh bread the following Shabbat. The high priestly line would eat the replaced bread. Also known as the "golden altar" or the "inner altar," this three foot high altar was the location of regular incense offerings. Every morning and evening when tending the light of the menorah, the priests would offer a mixture of frankincense and other aromatic gums. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle blood on the horns of this altar. The only object in the Holy of Holies, the sacred ark contained the two tablets with the Ten Commandments, the rod of Aaron that blossomed and the pot of manna. The ark was covered by the "mercy seat" on which the high priest sprinkled the blood of the goat seven times on the Day of Atonement. The ark represented the footstool of God's throne. [bible places]

A replica of the Tabernacle which God instructed Moses and the Israelites to build and take with them on their exodus journey from Egypt to the Promised Land. The tabernacle was an elaborate portable tent that served as God’s “home” when the Israelites were in the wilderness. In it were the ark of the covenant and other holy items. It was made of wooden boards covered with layers of rich fabric (Ex. 26). The name tabernacle or tent of meeting usually means this tabernacle. However, there was another, different tent also called the tabernacle of meeting (Ex. 33:7). This was a tent that Moses used to pitch outside the camp, where he and the people could meet God. It was a temporary tent during the Israelites’ days in the wilderness, and it was not used later in Israel’s history. [Yesterday & Today]

Things to Do
Timna Park has become not only a site of great historical significance, but a premier recreational destination for Israelis and tourists alike. Families with children can paddleboat the park's man-made lake, drink tea in a lakeside Bedouin tent, or take advantage of overnight camping facilities. Dozens more activities make Timna Park a true vacationer's dream: from browsing the gift shop to camel and bicycle rides, archery, a rock-climbing wall, and a handicraft workshop where kids can make replicas of ancient coins, re-enact a quest, fill bottles with colored sand, make pottery, paint and draw animals, weave in ancient Nabatean style, or watch a demonstration of copper production. We offer a rappelling site, an 18-meter Omega, a climbing wall and an archery range[timna site]

Mines of Time
Pass through the front gates to the newly built chronosphere and you are immersed in a fascinating 360-degree multimedia experience called the Mines of Time. The presentation introduces you, though dramatic audio, visual reality, computer simulation, and state-of-the-art animation, to the ancient Egyptian and Midianite cultures dating from the time of the Exodus - a prelude to what you'll encounter further on in the park. Visitors have a chance to draw some of their own conclusions to these questions on the next leg of their journey through time, as they enter and explore a detailed artificial mining system, complete with life-like miners - eventually to be replaced with live actors - and equipment. [jnf] The new Visitors Center in Timna Park offers a unique multimedia presentation, “Mines of Time”. The exhibition brings to life the story of the art of copper mining and its significance to the culture of Ancient Egypt. It explores the history and culture of the peoples who came to Timna thousands of years ago, Egyptian expeditions, Midianite miners, ancient Egyptian gods and more. Using a revolving stage and seven video projectors, visitors are taken back through time to this ancient age when man first replaced stone tools with metal ones. Using state of the art technology and a wealth of special effects, the audience is presented with an unforgettable diorama of figures and images.

The experience comes alive for the audience through their participation in stories, riddles and mysteries of this ancient region of Timna Valley. What are the origins of the copper snake? Who are the ancient Egyptian gods? Learn about the cult of copper and the shrine to the goddess Hathor, the goddess of the mines.

This is a not-to-be-missed experience during your visit to Timna Park. [timna site]

The new multimedia exhibit with a revolving stage, 360-degree projection screen and seven projectors. This fascinating presentation tells of the creation of the park, stories of the goddess Hathor and other Egyptian gods, and the story of copper, its production and more. [timna]

Timna Lake
Timna Lake and its surroundings were made possible by a generous donation to the Jewish National Fund by Avrum Chudeno of Milwaukee. It was designed and built as a center for family activities. While the kids paddle in paddleboats out on the lake, their parents can enjoy a cup of coffee at the Bedouin tent or even take a camel ride. Later, the kids can create sand pictures, fill a bottle with colored sand, ‘press’ a copper coin for King Solomon, and play on the playground. Take a break and eat a delicious meal in our restaurant by the water before you stop in at the souvenir shop. You can also make arrangements to sleep outdoors in covered shelters with access to public restrooms and hot showers.[timna site] An artificial recreational lake and architecturally stunning visitor center have been built in the Nechushtan Recreation Area not far from Solomon's Pillars and the Sphinx. The visitor center pavilion includes a cafeteria, a shop for traveling supplies, and a slide/video show on the history of Timna.[frommers] An outdoor Bedouin restaurant/cafe serves refreshments and simple meals (especially nice in the quiet of a hot summer night). [frommers]

http://timna-park.co.il/

http://www.mfa.gov.il/MFA/History/Early+History+-+Archaeology/Archaeological+Sites+in+Israel+-+Timna-+Valley+of.htm

http://www.holidayinisrael.com/ViewPage.asp?lid=1&pid=319

http://support.jnf.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Timna

http://www.bibleplaces.com/tabernacle.htm

http://www.rc.net/wcc/israel/timna.htm

Things I haven't found: Just a few more details on some of the sections I'd like to have longer, and when the park opened for visitors

Problems I've encountered: None of the sites explain when it went from an excavation site to a national park. Also Wikipedia won't let me post the link to the site I've found to explain the Tabernacle, probably because it has Bible in the title. I'll have to find a new one.