The Hermit Caves in Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Baptism Site (original) (raw)

A Unique Byzantine Architectural Remains on the Eastern Bank of Jordan River

Bethany ("Bethabara" in some ancient manuscripts) has been identified on the eastern side of the Jordan River opposite Jericho and extending2 km (1,2 miles) east, up a dry riverbed called Wadi el-Kharrar. Now the site has been excavated and developed for tourism, A low hill on the eastern edge of the site is called Jebel Mar Elyas, "Mount of Saint Elijah". Mentioned by several pilgrims in the Byzantine period, the site was identified in antiquity as the place where Elijah ascended to heaven. At the foot of Jebel Mar Elyas, a spring emerges into a series of pools where baptisms may have taken place in antiquity. Hermit monks carved caves in the rocks along the way and lived in them during the Roman and Byzantine era. Down near the Jordan River, excavation revealed the ruins of a Byzantine monastery with a church located at the traditional site where Jesus is said to have left his clothes during his baptism.

Discovery of Jesus Cave in Iraq Al-Amir, Southern Levant-Jordan

This research is focused on Al-Basah village (Tyre or Tyrues cave); that is considered a new discovery in Jordan. Recent excavation conducted in old Tyrues (Modern Wadi-Sir) in Iraq al-Amir west of Amman City Capital of Jordan has revealed the presence of a number of the important archaeological building. One of them is a unique cave called by local community Mugharat al-Kaniseh, (Cave of the Church) a site with the remains of Roman-Byzantine architectural remains. The cave with its two churches; the first located inside the cave with distinguished mosaic floor and artifacts; the second built outside in front of the cave entrance, paved with the colored mosaic floor with inscription and attached rooms. The cave, the two churches, and the surrounding monastic buildings indicated strong relations with the heritage of Jesus, John the Baptist, and disciples. The cave located on the old holy route close to the baptism site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan(site of Jesus Baptism) on the eastern bank of Jordan River.

The Discovery of Elijah's Hill and John's Site of the Baptism, East of the Jordan River from the Description of Pilgrims and Travellers

2012

Recent archeological activity in the area of the Jordan Valley, east of the Jordan River in Wadi al-Kharrar, has identified remains dating from the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic periods. These remains indicate that the area was inhabited during the time of John the Baptist and Jesus. They also show that monks and hermits lived in the region during the byzantine period and the beginning of early Islamic times. A brief description of the archeological remains is presented here as well as descriptions of pilgrims and travellers from the 4 th Century till the present.

Discovery of Jesus Cave in Iraq

This research is focused on Al-Basah village (Tyre or Tyrues cave); that is considered a new discovery in Jordan. Recent excavation conducted in old Tyrues (Modern Wadi-Sir) in Iraq al-Amir west of Amman City Capital of Jordan has revealed the presence of a number of the important archaeological building. One of them is a unique cave called by local community Mugharat al-Kaniseh, (Cave of the Church) a site with the remains of Roman-Byzantine architectural remains. The cave with its two churches; the first located inside the cave with distinguished mosaic floor and artifacts; the second built outside in front of the cave entrance, paved with the colored mosaic floor with inscription and attached rooms. The cave, the two churches, and the surrounding monastic buildings indicated strong relations with the heritage of Jesus, John the Baptist, and disciples. The cave located on the old holy route close to the baptism site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan(site of Jesus Baptism) on the eastern bank of Jordan River. Introduction:

The Discovery of Byzantine Laura of St Mary the Egyptian in Site of Jesus Baptism

The Discovery of Byzantine Laura of St Mary the Egyptian in Site of Jesus Baptism, 2019

The monastic way of life evolved during the early history of Christianity, and developed in diverse forms. The Baptism site hermits started to dwell in natural caves, living in seclusion in a very modest and secluded life.Recent excavations in Bethany Beyond Jordan (BBJ) revealed the presence of unique archeological remains related to St Mary of Egypt located close to John the Baptist church and not far away from the eastern bank of Jordan River. This article will focus on the relation between the discovered architectural remains and the narratives of St. Mary of Egypt who dwelt and died in this area on the eastern side of Jordan River during the early time of Christianity

Mountains & Caves in the Elijah Stories (1 Kgs 18:1-19:21)

The Lexham Geographic Commentary on the Historical Books, Vol. 2. Barry J. Beitzel, editor., 2023

The mountains and caves in the Elijah stories parallel those in the Moses stories which subsequently the Gospels use to interpret the experience of Jesus on the Mount of Transfiguration, and the Qur'an uses to interpret the experience of Muhammad in the cave of Hira. Horeb and the Carmel, with their caves, winds, clouds, lightning, rain and earthquakes, prepare Elijah to witness YHWH creating a new world. Elijah will serve YHWH with the same faithfulness as the mountains and caves where he is transfigured, commissioning him to prepare his followers to pass safely through the crisis of dismantling the old world and entering the new world.

A UNIQUE BYZANTINE COMPLEX NEAR THE JORDAN RIVER IN SOUTHERN LEVANT AND A TENTATIVE INTERPRETATION

M. Waheeb, A. Mahmod, E. Al-Masri, 2013

Bethany beyond the Jordan, where Jesus is said that was seating of stone staircase, a foundation base and a small church near the river he was baptized on the east bank of the Jordan River, has revealed a Byzantine complex. This raises the number of churches identified in the region of Jordan River to four plus three at Tell el-Kharrar (Elijah's Hill), nearly two kilometers east of the river. The discovered architectural remains represent a unique Byzantine complex on the eastern bank of Jor-dan River.

Mountain of Transfiguration & New Discoveries in Site of Jesus Baptism / Jordan River

The amazing account of the Transfiguration of Christ on a mountain; is a dramatic event marks a major turning point in the Gospel Narratives, for Jesus was beginning to turn more and more to Jerusalem and the suffering and last days that awaited Him by God there. But before all of that would take place, there was this glimpse of glory. This article discuss in details the new evidences for the proposed or even the real place of the Transfiguration according to recent Roman & Byzantine archaeological discoveries in Bethany Beyond the Jordan on the eastern bank of Jordan River. The discoveries include monasteries, churches, water installations, caves & footpaths located & found during systematic survey and excavations during 1997upward on eastern side of Jordan River.

John the Baptist's cave

Biblical Archaeology Review, 2005

When news first surfaced about a cave that might have been associated with a key figure in early Christianity, many were skeptical. Now the excavators make their case. Citation: Gibson, Shimon, and James D. Tabor. “John the Baptist’s Cave,” Biblical Archaeology Review 31, no. 3 (2005): 37–41, 58