Located between and , is considered by many to be the center of faith. Hi, I'm Rebecca Brayton and welcome to watchmojo.com, and today, we'll be continuing our travel series with a look at the many sites in Jordan.
Mount Nebo is considered one of the most important Christian sites in Jordan. It is where is said to have gone to get a view of the before he died.
Mount Nebo offers a fantastic view westward, with a vista that includes the , the West Bank, the Jordan River, and, on a clear day, and Jerusalem.
According to both Jewish and Christian tradition, Moses was then buried on this mountain by God himself.
In 2000, Pope John Paul the second visited the mountain during his to the Holy Land. To symbolize peace, the Pope planted an olive tree beside the Byzantine .
Atop one of Nebo’s two peaks sits a shrine showcasing which decorated the that once stood at the location. The largest mosaic depicts the monastic activity of wine-making, along with hunters and various animals.
Just outside the building is the Serpentine Cross, a symbol to represent both the bronze serpent created by Moses, and the cross on which was .
The Jordan River is associated with some of the most important events in the . Historically and religiously, it is considered to be one of the world’s most rivers. Many biblical characters, most notably and Jesus, crossed the river during their lifetimes. To most Christians, the most significant event linked to the River Jordan is the of Christ by John the Baptist. The Baptism site is located at the head of a lush valley just east of the Jordan River. The refers several times to Jesus crossing the Jordan, and of believers crossing to hear him speak or be healed of their maladies. Jesus also sought refuge near the River when his enemies were trying to capture him.
The Jordan was also the site of many biblical , such as the Israelites crossing under Joshua and the healing of Namaan by Elijah, for example.
Today, believers flock to the Jordan to bask in its waters and be in the same river as .
Of the mountains that circle Petra, none is more imposing than Aaron’s mountain. It is believed that Moses’ brother Aaron died and was buried on the peak. Although biblical scholars and archaeologists debate whether it is, in fact, the Mount Hor referred to in the , Aaron’s story fits strongly with this mountain.
Located roughly 20 miles southwest of Amman, Madaba is best known for its mosaics, especially a large Byzantine-era mosaic map depicting Jordan, , and other surrounding regions.
The Madaba Map can be found in the church of Saint George, and is the oldest surviving chart of the Holy Land. In fact, the map has helped verify biblical locations. It is estimated that the Madaba Map originally consisted of 2.3 million stone tiles and measured a staggering 80 by 15 feet.