The Franciscan Shepherd's Field is much like the Orthodox Shepherd's Field. Both have churches built over the site of caves where shepherd's lived. Either site looked equally as likely as a place for grazing sheep. If I had to venture a guess, I'd go with the Franciscan site. It was rockier and more rugged. The Orthodox site was a nicer open field. Everyone knows that sheep, like goats, are the scavengers of the livestock family. They don't need beautiful fields of grass. They could survive fine by eating around rocks and bushes. But a nice open field like the Orthodox site would make a great place to grow crops -- and therefore a place to keep sheep away from. (And I know these things, because I am a proud farmer. My family has raised livestock -- including a few sheep -- on the same farm for 100 years. I think my dad would be happy that I picked up a little farming knowledge.) I didn't see any sheep there today, but I think having a few around would add to the authenticity of the place.

They were also doing some archeological digs around the area. Items were uncovered dating back to around the fourth century. There was a nice large olive press, but I couldn't get back to see anything else today. The gates were locked. I believe I am in one of the oldest places on the earth. Old things are commonplace, like Jericho the oldest city. No one raises an eyebrow at fourth century artifacts, but I think it's pretty cool. Hey, I'm impressed by my brother's 1889 silver dollar.