Town Mitzpe Ramon is located in the middle of Negev desert.  It was founded during the 1950s as temporary home for builders of the local road.

Bottom of the crater is very flat….

…… while by the edge there are hills similar to this Shen Hill.

Mt Katum is an unusual black hill with flat top size of a football stadium, called “mesa” in professional literature.  They are the remains of a former plateau, which was formed by a mixture of river and aeolian erosion. Flat tops are common in this area.

Makhmal fortress

At the east end of the crater there is an old fortress called Makhmal.  It is just one of manyces and towns in Negev desert, built during the period of 3rd-2nd century B.C.  They served as protection for trade and spice routes in this area. These numerous fortresses, as well as four towns were built by the Nabataean people, who were also the creators of the famous Petra in Jordan. The Nabataeans were inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula and belong to the group of pre-IslAt the east end of the crater there is an old fortress called Makhmal.  It is just one of many fortresses and towns in Negev desert, built during the period of 3rd-2nd century B.C.  They served as protection for trade and spice routes in this area. These numerous fortresses, as well as four towns were built by the Nabataean people, who were also the creators of the famous Petra in Jordan. The Nabataeans were inhabitants of the Arabian Peninsula and belong to the group of pre-Islamic Arab peoples. The Nabataean kingdom was overthrown by Emperor Trajan, who annexed this area to the Roman Empire.

Rocks of Ramon crater come in various unusual colors.

THE END!!!

Check out other beautiful nature wonders in Israel, like Eilat Mountains and Timna National Park.