The Arbel Cliffs are situated on the southern side of the Plain of Ginnosar. They rise to an elevation of 594 ft. [181 m.] above sea level and 1283 ft. [390 m.] above the level of the Sea of Galilee.
During the Maccabean revolt the Syrian general Baccides attacked Jews who were hiding in the caves located on the north side of the cliffs (161 B.C.). The same thing happened when Herod attacked his opponents who were hiding in these caves (ca. 38 B.C.).
A village, including a synagogue, were located to the west southwest of the cliffs.