NEITHER BETHANY NOR BETHABARA BUT BETHANY BEYOND JORDAN SITE OF JESUS BAPTISM
Document Type: Original Article
DOI: 10.21608/ejars.2026.511059
pages: 153-158
Waheeb, M.
Archaeology of Cultural Resource Management dept., Queen Rania Faculty of Tourism & Heritage (QRFTH), The Hashemite Univ., Zarqa, Jordan
Abstract:
This study investigates Bethany beyond the Jordan, presently recognized as the site of Jesus’ Baptism, and analyzes the scholarly debate surrounding the precise location of the baptism from the early Roman period through the late Byzantine era. Historical records from early pilgrims and travelers consistently identify Bethany beyond the Jordan as the traditional place of baptism. However, recent archaeological excavations within this area and its surr-oundings have uncovered substantial new evidence, including the remains of churches and associated religious structures, offering deeper insight into its historical significance. The main objective of this research is to refine the understanding of the actual geographical setting of Bethany, traditionally associated with the baptism of Christ. The findings suggest that both Bethabara and Bethany beyond the Jordan correspond to two distinct yet related locations situated east of Jerusalem and the Jordan River, respectively. This dual identification reflects the historical complexity of early Christian topography and textual references.
Keywords:
Heritage Archaeology Architecture Religion Tourism
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