Tulul Abu el Alayiq. (New Testament Jericho)

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1 Tulul Abu el Alayiq (New Testament Jericho)

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3 Beginning in 105 BC, about 100 years before the birth of Jesus, a new Jericho, sometimes called Herodian Jericho or New Testament Jericho, appeared about 2 miles southwest of the mound of Old Testament Jericho. This is the Jericho Jesus passed through many times when traveling to Jerusalem, including his final journey in the year 33 AD

4 The Jericho plain was blessed by fertile soil and an abundance of water brought by aqueduct from nearby springs, producing an abundance of dates, aromatic essences and spices. Jericho was famous for its balsam, whose oil was among the costliest substances in the ancient world, and very profitable to its growers.

5 The oasis of Jericho, some 17 miles east of Jerusalem, had warm and pleasant winters, making it an ideal winter retreat from the cold of the highlands where Jerusalem was situated. It was chosen as the site for the winter palaces of the Hasmonean kings, and of King Herod.

6 Here Herod built three palaces, forts and amphitheaters, hippodrome and often resided. The palaces were situated below the high cliffs of the Judean Desert at the entrance to Wadi Qelt, about a day s horseback ride from Jerusalem.

7 They were planned for rest and recreation, but also as administrative centers; the proximity to Jerusalem made it possible for Herod to efficiently deal with affairs of state during his winter sojourn there. Here, after vainly seeking a cure for a serious illness in the springs of Callirrhoe, Herod came to die.

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10 Telul abu el Alayiq (site of New Testament Jericho)

11 Remains of synagogue dating back to the Hasmonean Period (between 104 and 31 BC), the most ancient synagogue found to date in the Holy Land.

12 Two large basins constructed by Hasmonean ruler Alexander Jannaeus ( BC) to provide the city with a vital water reserve.

13 One of several plastered vats and tanks to collect water

14 Herod s Second Palace Mount of Temptation, overlooking the luxurious residences of NT Jericho

15 Herod s Second Palace was built north of Wadi Qelt, east of the Hasmonean Palace and on parts of it, after its destruction by earthquake in 31 BC.

16 Panorama of Telul abu el Alayiq (site of New Testement Jericho) Remains of Herod s Third Palace

17 Herod s Third Palace was constructed on both sides of Wadi Qelt, and covered an area of over seven acres, with a bridge over the wadi, connecting its two wings.

18 Remains of Herod s Third Palace, where the tyrant died in 4 BC, while Mary, Joseph and Jesus were in Egypt

19 Reception hall Colonnaded court Bathhouse cold bath room (frigidarium) Warm bath room (tepidarium) Changing room Colonnaded court

20 Northern Wing of the palace with halls, rooms, courtyards and a large multi-room bathhouse

21 Herod s palace was destroyed in a rebellion following his death in 4 BC. Soon afterward it was magnificently restored by his son Archelaus, the newly designated ruler.

22 Herod s Third Palace restored by Archelaus, the one seen by Jesus whenever he passed through the city.

23 Some of the walls consisted of small rectangular or square stones set into a concrete core (opus reticulatum)

24 Cold Room (frigidarium) in the bathhouse of the Herodian Palace.

25 Triclinium (dining room) with a floor once decorated with colored marble tiles

26 Another view of the Triclinium (so-called because host and guests reclined around three low tables arranged in a U

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28 Remains of hippodrome (chariot racing track)

29 As Jesus left Herodian Jericho with his disciples and others for the Passover in Jerusalem, he stopped to teach the Parable of the Minas:

30 A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas Put this money to work, he said, until I come back. But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, We don't want this man to be our king. He was made king, however, and returned home (Luke 19:11-26)

31 It is possible that Jesus reference to the man of noble birth was occasioned by the sight of Herod the Great s Third Palace at Jericho, rebuilt by his son Archelaeus, son of Herod the Great, who had traveled to Rome when his father died in 4 BC to be appointed ruler of Judea and Samaria. When he returned, he had dealt harshly with his enemies.

32 Crusader structure identified by some as the house of Bartimaeus, the blind man healed by Jesus as he approached Jericho (Luke 18:35-43).

33 As Jesus approached Jericho, a blind man was sitting by the roadside begging. When he heard the crowd going by he called out, Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me! Those who led the way rebuked him and told him to be quiet, but he shouted all the more, Son of David, have mercy on me!

34 Jesus stopped and ordered the man to be brought to him. When he came near, Jesus asked him, What do you want me to do for you? Lord, I want to see, he replied. Jesus said to him, Receive your sight; your faith has healed you. Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus, praising God. When all the people saw it, they also praised God.