Elath

Also known as Aelana, Aila, Ailah, Ailam, Ailath, Akaba/'Akaba, al-Aqabah, Aqaba, Aqabah, Aylah, Aylan, Berenice, Berenice-Elath, Berenike, Eilat, el-'Akabah, el-Khehleifeh(?), El-Paran, Elat, Elot, Eloth, Ezion Geber(?), Ezion-geber(?), Eziongeber(?), Waila

Elath/Ezion Geber

The southern tip of modern Israel, ancient Elath (today Eilat) was outside the prescribed boundaries of the Promised Land for the children of Israel.  It was one of the stops on the wilderness travels (Deut 2:8).  The relationship of Elath to Ezion Geber is unclear; the Bible says that these two places were near each other by the Red Sea but the exact location of these ancient sites is still uncertain.

Kings' Ambition

Though beyond "Dan to Beersheba," this southern port on the Red Sea was the envy of several kings of Judah.  Solomon built a fleet of ships here which departed and returned every three years (1 Kings 9-10).  Later Jehoshaphat built a fleet here that was wrecked before it ever set sail (1 Ki 22). Uzziah was noted for being the one who rebuilt Elath and restored it to Judah (2 Ki 14:22). 

Coral Reef

Some of the world's most beautiful coral reefs are found in the Red Sea from Eilat and south along the Sinai Peninsula.  The 12 km wide bay here is shared (half and half) by Israel and Jordan.  The Jordanian port city is Aqaba and sometimes the gulf is known by by that name.  Eilat is one of three Israeli ports (also Haifa and Ashdod) and it serves to bring goods to Israel from the Far East.

"Living Rock"

Coral is best thought of as "living rock."  The death of millions of tiny animals have created this limestone formation over many years.  Coral "grows" very slowly and a single accident can destroy hundreds of years of growth.   In 1998 a yacht broke away from the buoy it was tied to and crashed on the reef.  It will take the reef at this spot 100 years to recover from the damage inflicted from this accident.

Nature Reserve

Israel controls about six kilometers of shoreline from Eilat to the border crossing to Egypt at Taba.  Technically all of Israel's waters are a nature reserve, but the Coral Beach Reserve is only four kilometers long and much of this is not open to visitors.  The temperature of the Red Sea at Eilat remains between 21-24 degrees C (70-76 F) year-round.  Over 100 kinds of coral and 800 species of fish live in these waters.

Welcome to Eilat (Municipality of Eilat)  The city's official website.  Links provide the tourist with information on virtually any subject of interest.  Most links include pictures as well.

The Eilat Region: Southern Gateway of Israel (Israel MFA)  Gives a detailed history of the site and descriptions of several of the important archaeological features relating to cult, military, and domestic activity in the area.  Copy of this page at Jewish Virtual Library.

Elath (WebBible Encyclopedia, ChristianAnswers.Net)  Briefly describes the origin of the word, in addition to the basic biblical facts about the site.

Eilat (Virtual Israel Experience)  Harmonizes the spirit of this tourist spot with a glimpse into the surrounding area and the history of the region.  Links to articles within the Jewish Virtual Library allow for further investigation.

Eilat (Department for Jewish Zionist Education)  Approaches the region from a mainly historical perspective, giving a concise summary of the historical background.

Eilat (The Israeli Mosaic)  Contains informative sections on history, the Coral Reef, other attractions in Eilat, and getting there.  Links throughout the broad history section allow for in-depth study.

Eilat (Christian Travel Study Program)  Offers a brief summary of location, significance and tourist attractions.

Elat Town (All the Largest Cities of the World)  An article, taken from the Encyclopedia Encarta, tells a brief history of the city from ancient times to modern.  Visitors are, however, bombarded with "pop-ups."

Tourist Information

Eilat Guide (Israel-Guide.com)  This well-designed tourist guide offers a wealth of information, including a page identifying the fish, the history of Eilat, maps and general tourist information.

Welcome to Eilat (Eilat.com)  Welcomes tourists with a flood of information, from real estate to tours.  An "About Eilat" link provides information on weather, border crossings, history, and more.  Surprisingly limited photos. 

About Dolphin Reef Eilat (Dolphin Reef Eilat)  Offers more in-depth information about the famous Dolphin Reef, straight from the source.

International Birding & Research Centre - Eilat (IBRCE)  Eilat is home to more than marine wildlife!  This site contains an impressive photo gallery.

Eilat Port (Israel Ports and Railway Authority)  Details the important commercial aspect of the city with a brief overview of the port.