During the halcyon days of King Solomon, Eilat was the only port available in the Kingdom of Israel but the beginning of Hellenistic period the Nabateans used Eilat's Red Sea port for their lucrative spice trade.
The mark of seventh century under the occupation of the Muslim is the arrival of thousands of pilgrims. Their caravans journeyed from Damascus and Cairo to Mecca and joined up in Eilat.
Eilat witnessed recurrent clashes between the Turkish and British Empires during the early 20th century. The dramatic liberation of Eilat by the Israel Defense Forces in March of 1949 marked the end of the War of Independence. Since then the Eilat has taken on new life. Today the city is internationally famed as a popular resort. International festivals of classical and jazz music are held in Eilat every year.
