Jericho is the oldest town in the world, dating back more than 10,000 years. It lies 260 meters below sea level, making it also the lowest town on earth. Known as the 'City of Palms', Jericho contains some of the world's most important historic sites.
Jericho's contribution to civilization is unique. The domestication of plants and animals and the invention of pottery took place in ancient Jericho 1000 years before Mesopotamia and Egypt, while the walls and towers of Jericho preceded the pyramids of Egypt by 4000 years.
Jericho's moderate climate makes it a favorite winter resort. It is an important agricultural area, producing fresh fruits, and vegetables year round. Jericho dates, bananas and citrus fruits are especially famous. Located 36 km east of Jerusalem, Jericho is on the road to Amman and at the junction of the highway to Galilee.
| At a maximum depth of 400 meters below sea level, the Dead Sea is by far the lowest spot on the surface of the earth. Its high salt content of about 25 percent above that of an average sea makes it impossible for any form of life to live in its waters. However, it makes swimming an extraordinary experience, as it is impossible to sink! The mud and minerals of the Dead Sea are natural healers of skin diseases and invigorate healthy skin. |
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The site is 2km north of Jericho and was built by the Omayyad Calif, Hisham Ibn Abdul Malek. The remains are of a magnificent winter palace which was destroyed by an earthquake in 747A.D. shortly after construction. The site contains royal buildings, a mosque, water fountains and spectacular mosaic floors. |
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Nabi Musa in Arabic means "the prophet Moses" who is recognized as one of the great prophets of Islam. Maqam Nabi Musa has been the site of an annual pilgrimage festival since the time of Salah ad-Din. Set in an awe-inspiring landscape 20km east of Jerusalem, Maqam Nabi Musa is a splendid example of medieval Islamic architecture. The present shrine, mosque, minaret, and some of the rooms were built in 1269 AD while successive additions brought the site to its present day shape in 1475 AD. |
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Located 20km south of Jericho, on the western shore of the Dead Sea, is the site where the famous Dead Sea Scrolls were found. The discovery of the Scrolls was made in 1947 by an Arab shepherd looking for a stray goat in the western region of the Dead Sea. Seven scrolls were found, the most famous being the scroll of Isaiah, which is one foot wide and 24 feet long. Excavations at the site found more than 900 pieces of scrolls in more than 30 caves. Except for two scrolls written on copper, all the scrolls were written on leather and papyrus. |