The Balsam Industry in the Jordan Valley
After Cleopatra obtained these gifts [of territory in Judaea and Arabia from Antony] and escorted Antony, who was campaigning against Armenia, as far as the Euphrates, she turned back and came to Apamia and Damascus. She then passed through Judaea, where Herod met up with her and leased from her those parts of Arabia, along with the public revenues from the region around Jericho, which had been given to her. This territory produces balsam, which is the most valuable of the goods there and grows there alone, as well as many beautiful palm trees.
Translated by William Whiston, adapted by Aaron Samuels.
Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.
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