[4] A loss of a first feeble letter is not uncommon and the form of Dora could be found as early as in several instances of Josephus writings.
According to Guy Le Strange, the city locality is in the Vale of Mamre mentioned in the story of The Twelve Spies who brought back to Moses large grapes of Eshkol as recorded in the Book of Numbers.
[8] In the early 6th century BCE the Babylonians attacked the Kingdom of Judah, and the southern part of the country, from Adoraim near Hebron to Maresha and beyond, fell to Edom.
The city inhabitants, who were alleged to have been of Esau's progeny (Idumeans), were forced to convert to Judaism during the reign of Hyrcanus, on the condition that they be allowed to remain in the country.
[14] Hyrcanus "hired foreign troops, dismantled Adora and Marissa, the strong places of Edom, and forced the Edomites to accept the Jewish religion and submit to circumcision.
[16] It's proposed that it might have served as the administrative center for the Eastern Idumaea district established by Gabinius, although other suggestions exist.
This remarkable residence, serving as the focal point of an estate, boasted amenities such as a bathhouse and a layout featuring interior chambers surrounding an open courtyard, all adorned with colonnades.