Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan Jordan

Byzantine
Byzantine ruins in Wadi Kharrar, not far from the Jordan River. A five or ten-minute walk through the "jungle" leads into a clearing marked by a modern pool and the sheltered remains of the 7th-century Church of John the Baptist (in the background). Byzantine stairs, three of them black marble, interspersed with white marble from Asia Minor, lead from the apse to the Spring of John the Baptist. A marble fragment inscribed "IOY. BATT." was found in the church wall. Templar1307 all photos →

The area known as Wadi Kharrar has long been believed to be the biblical Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan, where John the Baptist lived and Jesus was baptized.

Location map of Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan, Jordan. Click to enlarge.
Aerial view of Bethany-Beyond-the-Jordan, Jordan. Click to enlarge.