Places Visited in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt

Israel:

  1. Abel Beth-Maacah: Located in northern Israel, it is known for the end of a rebellion against King David. Recent excavations revealed structures from the time of the Judges and David.
  2. Beth-Shemesh (בית שמש, Beit Shemesh): Associated with the Ark of the Covenant’s return, it was also the site of a battle where King Amaziah of Judah was captured and later assassinated.
  3. Biblical city of Samaria (שומרון, Shomron): The capital of the northern kingdom of Israel, with significant archaeological remains from the Israelite and Roman periods.
  4. Cana (כפר כנא, Kfar Kana): Traditional site of Jesus’ first miracle, turning water into wine.
  5. Capernaum National Park (כפר נחום, Kfar Naḥum): Jesus’ adopted hometown during his early ministry, featuring a synagogue where He taught and performed miracles.
  6. Caesarea Maritima National Park (קיסריה, Qesarya): Built by Herod the Great, it was the Roman capital of the region. Significant for its biblical connections with Philip the Evangelist, Peter, and Paul.
  7. Caesarea Philippi (קיסריה פיליפי, Qesarya Philippi): The site where Jesus declared, “Upon this rock I will build my church,” located at the base of Mount Hermon.
  8. Church of the Holy Sepulchre (كنيسة القيامة, Kanisat al-Qiyama): Traditional site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection in Jerusalem.
  9. Church of the Nativity (كنيسة المهد, Kanisat al-Mahd): Traditional site of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem.
  10. City of David National Park (עיר דוד, Ir David): Archaeological site of ancient Jerusalem, including the remains of King David’s palace.
  11. Dead Sea: The lowest point on Earth, famous for its high mineral content and buoyancy, used in ancient and modern skin care products.
  12. Elah Valley: The site of David’s battle with Goliath, offering historical and archaeological significance.
  13. En-Gedi (עין גדי, Ein Gedi) National Park: A freshwater oasis where David hid from Saul, populated with wildlife including the ibex.
  14. Garden of Gethsemane (גן שמנים, Gan Shmanim): Place where Jesus prayed before his arrest.
  15. Garden Tomb (קבר הגן, Kever HaGan): A good example of what a tomb might have been like.
  16. Gibeah (גבעה, Giv’a): Ancient city, significant in the biblical narrative, especially in the Book of Judges.
  17. Golan Heights View:
  18. Harod Spring (מעיין חרוד, Ma’ayan Harod): Where Gideon selected his 300 men, also associated with Saul’s final battle against the Philistines. 
  19. Hezekiah’s Tunnel (נקבת חזקיהו, Nikbat Hezekiah): Water tunnel carved during the reign of King Hezekiah to secure Jerusalem’s water supply.
  20. Herodium National Park (הרודיון, Herodion): Fortress and palace built by Herod the Great, southeast of Bethlehem.
  21. Israel Museum (מוזיאון ישראל, Muze’on Yisrael): Premier cultural institution, home to the Dead Sea Scrolls and numerous archaeological artifacts.
  22. Jericho (יריחו, Yeriḥo): Known for its walls falling before Israel, it has archaeological evidence supporting its biblical story.
  23. Jordan River: A significant biblical river, forming a modern border between Israel and Jordan, with reduced flow due to modern pumping.
  24. Kibbutz Ginosar: Includes the museum housing the 1st-century Jesus Boat, an important archaeological find related to Jesus’ time.
  25. Kiriath-jearim: The temporary home of the Ark of the Covenant after its return from the Philistines.
  26. Magdala (מגדלא, Migdal): Likely the home of Mary Magdalene, with recent archaeological finds including a 1st-century synagogue.
  27. Masada National Park (מצדה, Metzada): A mountain fortress with Herodian palaces and the site of a dramatic last stand during the Jewish War against Rome.
  28. Mount Carmel: Site of Elijah’s contest with the prophets of Baal, featuring a monastery and stunning views.
  29. Mount of Beatitudes (הר האושר, Har HaOsher): Traditional site of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, offering picturesque views of the Sea of Galilee.
  30. Mount of Olives (הר הזיתים, Har HaZeitim): Important biblical site overlooking Jerusalem, associated with Jesus’ ascension.
  31. Nain: The village where Jesus raised a widow’s son from the dead, located on the north side of the hill of Moreh.
  32. Nazareth Village (כפר נצרת, Kfar Natzrat): Reconstructed first-century village representing Jesus’ boyhood home.
  33. Nebi Samwil (near Gibeon): Traditional site of Samuel’s tomb, offering historical and biblical insights.
  34. Old City of Jerusalem: Enclosed within ancient walls, it holds religiously significant sites for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, including the Temple Mount, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock. It also features the Alabama Shop, a well-known shop offering a variety of goods and souvenirs.
  35. Pool of Bethesda (ברכת בית חסדא, Brekhat Beit Ḥesda): Site of a healing miracle performed by Jesus.
  36. Qumran National Park (קומראן, Qumran): Associated with the Dead Sea Scrolls and the Essenes, featuring significant ruins from the time of Christ.
  37. Saint Peter in Gallicantu (כנסיית פטרוס אין גליקנטו, Knesiyat Petros in Galicantu): Church commemorating Peter’s denial of Jesus.
  38. Sea of Galilee (כינרת, Kinneret): Freshwater lake central to Jesus’ ministry and miracles.
  39. Shepherd’s Fields (שדות רועים, Sdot Ro’im): Traditional site where angels announced Jesus’ birth to shepherds.
  40. Tabgha (עין שבע, Ein Sheva): Associated with several events in Jesus’ ministry, offering a serene setting by the Sea of Galilee.
  41. Tel Arad National Park : An ancient city in the Negev desert with remains predating Abraham. It was a fortress city during the kingdom period and had a high place desecrated by Hezekiah.
  42. Tel Beersheba National Park: Known for its association with Abraham, the city served as Israel’s traditional southern boundary. Visible ruins date to the Kingdom period, including an ancient water system.
  43. Tel Beth Shean National Park (בית שאן, Beit She’an): One of Israel’s most dramatic tells with impressive Greco-Roman ruins. The Philistines hung the bodies of King Saul and his sons on its walls.
  44. Tel Dan National Park  (דן, Dan): The northernmost city of ancient Israel, known for its early idolatry and a golden calf set up by Jeroboam.
  45. Tel es-Safi/Gath (תל צפית): A principal Philistine city and Goliath’s hometown, with significant archaeological discoveries.
  46. Tel Gezer National Park: A major Canaanite city that controlled a key highway. Rebuilt by Solomon, it features an impressive Iron Age gate.
  47. Tel Hazor (תלחצור) National Park: The largest city in Canaan during Joshua’s time, later rebuilt by Solomon and destroyed by the Assyrians.
  48. Tel Lachish (תל לכיש) National Park: A key archaeological site with evidence from the Judges and Kingdom periods, associated with several biblical events.
  49. Tel Megiddo (תל מגידו) National Park: A strategic city mound with a long military history, possibly inspiring the name “Armageddon.”
  50. Tel Shiloh (שילה, Shiloh) National Park: The location of the Tabernacle during the time of the Judges, with ongoing archaeological work revealing its significance.
  51. Temple Mount (הר הבית, Har HaBayit): Location of the First and Second Temples.
  52. Via Dolorosa (ויה דולורוזה, Via Dolorosa): Path believed to be walked by Jesus on the way to his crucifixion.
  53. Western Wall and Tunnels (הכותל המערבי, HaKotel HaMa’aravi): Sacred Jewish site, remnants of the Second Temple complex.

Jordan:

  1. Bethany beyond the Jordan (المغطس, Al-Maghtas): Traditional site of Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist.
  2. Madaba (St. George’s Church) (مادبا, Mādbā): Known for its ancient mosaic map of the Holy Land.
  3. Mount Nebo (جبل نيبو, Jabal Nībū): Traditional site where Moses viewed the Promised Land before his death.
  4. Petra (البتراء, Al-Batrāʾ): Ancient Nabatean city famous for its rock-cut architecture.

Egypt:

  1. Egyptian Museum (المتحف المصري, Al-Matḥaf Al-Miṣrī): Houses an extensive collection of ancient Egyptian artifacts.
  2. Giza Plateau (أهرامات الجيزة, Ahramat Al-Jizah): Site of the iconic pyramids and the Great Sphinx.
  3. Memphis (منف, Manf): Ancient capital of Egypt with significant archaeological remains.
  4. Old Cairo (Coptic Cairo) (القاهرة القديمة, Al-Qāhirah Al-Qadīmah): Area with numerous Coptic Christian sites.
  5. Saqqara (سقارة, Saqqara): Burial ground with the famous Step Pyramid of Djoser.

Places Still to Visit in Israel, Jordan, and Egypt

Israel:

  1. Ashkelon: A principal Philistine city where Samson killed 30 men. It features impressive archaeological finds, including a Philistine cemetery and Crusader remains.
  2. Chorazin: One of the towns condemned by Jesus for its unbelief, with remains from the 4th century.
  3. Ein Avdat: Beautiful desert canyon with ancient monasteries.
  4. Ein Kerem: Traditional birthplace of John the Baptist.
  5. Hezekiah’s Broad Wall (החומה הרחבה, HaChomah HaRechavah): Defensive wall built during the reign of King Hezekiah to protect Jerusalem from Assyrian attacks.
  6. Jacob’s Well: Where Jesus conversed with a Samaritan woman, located in modern Nablus.
  7. Michmash (מכמש, Mikhmash): Site of significant battles in the biblical narrative, located northeast of Jerusalem.
  8. Michmash cliffs: Where Jonathan and his armor bearer attacked the Philistines, offering a dramatic landscape.
  9. Mount Gerizim: The “mount of blessings” and a significant site for the Samaritans, with visible temple foundations.
  10. Mount Hermon (הר חרמון, Har Hermon): Highest mountain in Israel, mentioned in biblical poetry.
  11. Mount of the Precipice (הר הקפיצה, Har HaKfitsa): Traditional site where an angry mob attempted to throw Jesus off a cliff.
  12. Mount Scopus: Offers a panoramic view of Jerusalem.
  13. Tel Jezreel (תל יזרעאל, Tel Yizre’el): An Israelite fortress city where Jehu began his revolution against King Jehoram.

Jordan:

  1. Aljun Castle: Medieval castle built by the Ayyubids.
  2. Amman Citadel: Historical site with ruins from various periods.
  3. Jerash: Well-preserved Roman city.
  4. Mukawir (Machaerus): Herod’s fortress, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed.
  5. Umm Qais (Gadara): Ancient Greco-Roman city with significant ruins.

Egypt:

  1. Alexandria: Historical city with a rich cultural heritage.
  2. Aswan: Southern city known for its archaeological sites and the Aswan Dam.
  3. Faiyum: Region with a rich history and many archaeological sites.
  4. Luxor: Home to the ancient city of Thebes, with temples and tombs.
  5. Red Sea Coast: Area known for its beautiful beaches and underwater marine life.

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