Judean Wilderness Estate is based on the common four room house design of Judea and Syria provinces of the 1st Century Roman Empire. This house design was common and provided simple and practical living quarters for the populace. With the three “rooms” in the outside courtyard, people could live, work, and tend to household animals such as donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens, etc. The arid climate made outdoor life ideal.

The single long room on the back of the estate was used for sleeping and private time for family. While the upper room was used for guests or a newlywed son to occupy.

Torches, lamps, and other similar items were used for lighting at night or during the occasional rain. Olive oil was the fuel of choice.

Now for the model itself.

The house proper has many features common for the time period (1st century A.D.) including: an outdoor table with lamp, cups, and breed; a tool storage area with forks, hammer, and sword; the centralized fire/ cook pit with large cauldron and pots nearby; plus, various barrels and crates.

The upper room includes a bed and chest of drawers along the wall, plus the outdoor area has a decorative railing and lantern to light the way.

The backroom includes a family shrine/ bookshelf and three beds. These beds would have been separated by hanging curtains (not included, no cloth parts).

Outside the walls includes one large brick-built tree featuring 4 birds among the branches. A tree near the back of the building has been cut down but refuses to die. The stump shows signs of new growth. Plus, some meandering foliage can be spotted on one side of the building, too.

The family consisting of Zachariah (father), Elizabeth (mother), Mary (daughter), and Joseph (son) can be found out front with 3 sheep and the family horse and cart. Each mini figure has been designed to reflect their role in the family. Zachariah includes a sack of his back with a silver ingot and holds a pickax showing his ability to work and provide. Elizabeth features a basket and a knife showing she can defend and gather food. Mary is the youngest and includes a hairbrush showing her playful side. Joseph is the older brother and takes care of the sheep with a pitchfork in hand and a water bucket nearby. The horse and cart includes a sack and crate.

Basic building techniques are employed to create a Judean Wilderness Estate. The entire second floor comes off to access the living quarters inside. As well as the roof of the second floor comes off to access the upper room. The horse and cart are fully functional, too. These features allow for endless play opportunities. Let us build, play, and explore our creativity.

Set includes 1169 pieces, 4 mini figures