The Ancient City of Jericho: History, Amazing Facts and Things to Do
The ancient city of Jericho, located in the West Bank of Palestine, is one of the oldest cities in the world and is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city on the planet. The city has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human settlements going back more than 10,000 years. Jericho is also one of the most important archaeological sites in the region, with many ancient monuments and ruins that offer visitors a glimpse into the past.
History of Jericho
The city of Jericho has a long and fascinating history, with evidence of human settlements dating back to the Neolithic period, around 8,000 BC. The city was first mentioned in the Bible, where it is described as a fortified city that was destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites. In the centuries that followed, Jericho was an important city in the region, and was ruled by various empires, including the Romans and the Ottomans.
In the 19th century, the city was part of the Ottoman Empire, and was later occupied by the British during World War I. After the establishment of the state of Israel in 1948, Jericho was occupied by Jordan until 1967, when it was captured by Israel during the Six-Day War. In 1994, the city was transferred to Palestinian control.
Today, Jericho is the administrative center of the West Bank and is home to a population of around 25,000 people.
Amazing Facts About Jericho
• Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of human settlements going back more than 10,000 years.
• The city is mentioned in the Bible as the first city that was destroyed by Joshua and the Israelites.
• The city is home to the oldest known stone tower in the world, the Tower of Jericho, which dates back to around 8,000 BC.
• The city is also home to the oldest known stone walls in the world, which are believed to have been built around 6,800 BC.
• The city is home to the oldest known irrigation system in the world, which was built around 4,000 BC.
Things to Do in Jericho
Jericho is home to many ancient monuments and ruins that offer visitors a glimpse into the past. Here are some of the top things to do in Jericho:
• Visit the Hisham’s Palace, a magnificent palace built by the Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik in the 8th century.
• Explore the ancient city walls, which date back to around 6,800 BC.
• Visit the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus is said to have been tempted by the devil.
• Visit the Jericho Oasis, a lush green area with palm trees and a spring-fed lake.
• Visit the Tel Jericho Archaeological Park, which is home to many ancient ruins, including the Tower of Jericho.
• Visit the Mount of Temptation Monastery, a monastery perched atop a cliff overlooking the city.
• Visit the Archaeological Museum of Jericho, which displays artifacts from Jericho’s long history.
• Visit the Ein es-Sultan spring, which is said to be the same spring that Jesus visited when he entered Jericho.
• Take a tour of the ancient city of Qumran, which was the home of the ancient Jewish sect, the Essenes.
• Visit the nearby Dead Sea, where you can float in the salty waters and enjoy its therapeutic benefits.
• Visit the nearby Wadi Qelt, a deep canyon with beautiful scenery and numerous ancient ruins.
• Visit the nearby Mount Nebo, where Moses is said to have seen the Promised Land.
• Visit the nearby town of Bethlehem, which is the birthplace of Jesus.
• Visit the nearby town of Ramallah, which is the administrative center of the West Bank.
• Enjoy some of the local cuisine, including falafel, hummus, and shawarma.
• Shop for souvenirs and traditional handicrafts in the local markets.