The ancient city of Jericho is literally older than history itself. Recorded history started in the 4th millennium BC with the advent of written language. By that time, Jericho had already existed as an ancient walled city for 4,000 years.
During its long 10,000 years, Jericho has seen much. If the city’s ancient stones could talk, they would fill several libraries with their stories. Empires have come and gone, but still the ancient city of Jericho thrives as an oasis in a dry and arid region.
Elisa Moed, CEO Travelujah, at the entrance to ancient Jericho
In many ways, Jericho is the very symbol of man’s transition from a wandering, nomadic society that relied solely on hunting and gathering to a settled existence made possible by the discovery of agriculture. In other words, the building of ancient Jericho’s walls in roughly 8,000 BC marks the change from a wild existence to civilization. That this symbol still exists as a living city is nothing short of astonishing.
There is little doubt that Jericho possesses enormous potential to become one of the world’s premier tourist attractions. After all, mankind has deemed the location a prime place to live for at least 10,000 years. No other city in the world can say that.
Photo Courtesy Sami Khoury, ABS Tourism
Ancient Jericho and the Surrounding Area are Rich with Tourism Treasures
Qarantal, a Greek Orthodox monastery, is situated on the Mount of Temptation, and is the place where Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by Satan and where Jesus rejects three proposals and is directed by the spirit of God (Mark 1:12-13, Matthew 4:1-11, Luke 4:1-13) agree. A cable car brings people from the lowest city on earth up to the cliffs near the monastery.
Photo courtesy Sami Khoury, ABS Tourism
Hisham’s Palace, a 6th century winter retreat built by the Umayyad empire boasts one of the most expansive mosaic floors ever discovered.
Photo Courtesy Travelujah -Group visit to Hisham’s Palace near Jericho
Ancient Jericho is an incredible archaeological site with findings from the ancient biblical city dating back over 10,000 years. Some believe the uncovered walls correspond with the biblical story of Joshua.
Qasr El Yahud Baptismal Site, is the ancient baptismal site situated on the Jordan River and the site that many believe is the actual site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.
St. Georges Monastary (Greek Orthodox) is an unusual 5th. Century monastary built by an Egyptian monk, and re-built in the 19. Century. Its name is derived from the well known Gorgias of Coziba who lived there. The Prat stream runs through the deep canyon and parts of the ancient aqueductthat were built to bring its waters to Herod’s Palace in the town of Jericho, still remain today. According to tradition, this is also where the prophet Elijah was fed by ravens.
Photo courtesy Sami Khoury, ABS Tourism
Ryan Jones writes for Travelujah- Holy Land Tours
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