Carmel

Carmel is a limestone-ridge which runs from SE. to NW. for 14 miles, forming the only great promontory on the low coast of Palestine. It attains a height of 1749 feet. On the east are the river Kishon and the Plain of Esdraelon. The name Carmel signifies 'orchard,' and the well-watered mountain is still richly clad with pine and holm-oak trees, and in its lower parts with olive, walnut, and bay trees, and a great variety of plants and flowers. Mount Carmel, the scene of Elijah's sacrifice, is renowned in Jewish history, and is often alluded to in the imagery of the prophets. On its north-west point, which rises 500 feet above the sea, there is a monastery, the monks in which are Carmelites (q.v.). The mountain's usual modern name, Mar Elyas, indicates its connection in the popular mind with the life of the great prophet.