Thursday 3 April 2014

Mount Nebo

BY Unknown IN No comments

Mount Nebo, Jordan

Drive along the same route prophet Moses (pbuh) was forbidden to travel on by the King of Edom (Numbers 20), and picture yourself standing where Moses was laid to rest, and where the late Pope John Paul II tread on his first pilgrimage of the millennium.
Visit the Sanctuary at Nebo: the memorial of Moses (pbuh), the presumed site of his death and burial place, and a center for pilgrimages since earliest Christian times. You'll be inspired by the biblical feel from start to finish as you experience this divine tour.
Church of Mount Nebo
Mount Nebo is one of the most revered holy sites of Jordan, located 10 km west of the Roman Byzantine town of Madaba, for this is where Moses (pbuh) was buried. The site's association with the last days of Moses is described in moving words in Deuteromony (34:1-7). The episode of Balak and Balam (2:13-26) also took place here.
The site's other name is Pisgah: "And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah which is opposite Jericho". From the mountaintop, which is the highest point in the Moabite range, rising to about 800 meters at its apex, you can admire the dazzling view across the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, to the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem.
Centuries ago, pilgrims flocked to Mount Nebo on their final destination to visit the sanctuary. These pilgrims left behind vivid accounts of their travels, which helped archaeologists identify this sanctuary.
In the summer of 1933, excavations at Syagha, one of the highest peaks at Nebo, began under the direction of the Jerusalemite Franciscan Fathers. Three long archaeological campaigns had previously resulted in the discovery of the Basilica and of a large monastery, which had continued to expand through the 6th century.
Mount Nebo Church Altar
Mount Nebo's first church was constructed in the 2nd half of the 4th century to commemorate the place of Moses' death. It had three apses and was preceded by a vestibule paved with plain white mosaic; two funeral chapels stood to the north and south of the lateral apses.
Six tombs have been found hollowed from the natural rock beneath the mosaic-covered floor of the church. In the present presbytery you can see remnants of mosaic floors from different periods. The earliest of these is a panel with a braided cross presently placed on the east end of the south wall.
The Old Diaconicon Baptistery
The three apsed cella (cella trichola) was preceded by a courtyard. In August 531 AD a Diaconicon Baptistery was built to the north of the courtyard against one of the funeral chapels. It was reached by a short flight of stairs, as it was one meter lower than the floor of the courtyard.
This rectangular room contained the baptismal stone fountain fashioned in the form of a cross and coated with a thick layer of time plaster. Two Greek inscriptions show the date of the mosaic floor (August 531), the name of the mosaicists, Soel, Kaium, and Elias, and the name of the Bishop ofMadaba, Elias.
In its decorative scheme, the mosaic floor is divided into three distinct panels in floor registers depicting pastoral and hunting scenes.
The 5th 7th Century Basilica
In the latter half of the 6th century the monks decided to enlarge their sanctuary. When removing the facade, the primitive church became the presbytery and the three naves were constructed on the site of the old vestibule and courtyard.
The mosaic work decorating the new basilica was integrated into a single large design or composition centered on a grapevine, with a swastika motif running along the perimeter of the interior of the building. Of this large composition, all that remains today are some geometric designs from the two lateral naves, a large section of the panels that adorned the intervals between the columns, and two fragments from the central nave.
Wonderful Mosaic Floor in Mount Nebo Church
The New Diaconicon
After the funeral chapel and the Diaconicon Baptistery were dismantled, the floor was adjusted to level with the rest of the basilica, making a single large chapel divided by stairs and railing into two separate rooms. The eastern room was decorated with mosaic depicting animals and flowers inserted in a geometrical frame; the western room was graced with geometrical motifs.
The elongated chapel might have been used as the Diaconicon of the basilica and as a chapter room for the monks.
Perhaps during the same period in which the Diaconicon was altered and embellished, the ancient funeral chapel was destroyed, and a new room, replete with mosaics, was built instead. This was replaced by a new baptistery with its own mosaics in 597-598 AD. Over the threshold at the entrance of the baptistery, was a welcoming inscription, "Peace to All", placed to greet visitors entering the chapel.
The Theotokos Chapel
During the first decade of the 7th century, the western door to the baptistery was walled up, three rooms of the monastery were destroyed, and the floor was leveled with the rest of the basilica. This provided the basis and foundation for the construction of the Theotokos (Mother of God) chapel.
This chapel had its own apse and was divided by a railing into two distinct rooms. The floor decoration received special attention with rich geometric multi-color designs encompassing pictures of flowers, animals as well as a ciborium above an altar flanked by two bulls and gazelles.
While the sanctuary was undergoing various stages of architectural development, a parallel series of improvements and changes were taking place in the adjacent monastery. From its primitive nucleus of cells discovered by the archaeologists just outside the basilica on the northern side of the mountain, the complex gradually expanded into a monastic community of a respectable size in that very monastic Byzantine world.
The Serpentine Cross (The Brazen Serpent Monument)
The restoration work preserved for future generations this extraordinary Monument of the Faith and brought new life to a sanctuary constructed in ancient times to honor Moses, the Prophet and man of God. Since September 4, 1976, the annual feast of Moses is celebrated and the Christian community join with the Franciscan Fathers in this solemnity.
The Italian artist, Giovanni Fantoni, is credited with designing the metal decorations inside the sanctuary as well as the Serpentine Cross (The Brazen Serpent Monument) on the exterior. These are symbolic of the bronze serpent taken by Moses (pbuh) into the desert, and the cross upon which Jesus (pbuh) was crucified.
About 1 km east of Mount Nebo, you can see the spring of Moses, mentioned by Egeria, Peter the Iberian, and Theodosius. In the springtime, this area is dotted by Eucalyptus trees, which grow close to two churches built in the 6th century, with enchanting mosaics: the churches of Deacon Thomas and Kayanos which were adorned with another mosaic pavement in the seventh Century. The churches were destroyed by a powerful earthquake which hit the region in AD 749

City Of Madaba

BY Unknown IN No comments

City Of Madaba


The town of Madaba, located 30 kilometers s
outhwest of Amman, is most famous for its exquisite 6th-century mosaics. Its history dates back at least 3500 years, however. Madaba, which was known in the Bible as the Moabite town of Medaba, is mentioned in the Old Testament account of Moses and the Exodus (Numbers 21: 30). David also vanquished an Ammonite and Aramean coalition near Madaba (I Chronicles 19: 7). His victory was short-lived, however, as in the mid-ninth century BCE the Moabite King Mesha freed the city from the control of the Israelites (2 Kings 3). Mesha, whose capital was the ancient city of Dibon (now called Dhiban, and located just north of Wadi Mujib), recorded his victories on the famous Mesha Stele, an inscribed stone set up in about 850 BCE. The rich farmlands around Madaba were coveted and fought over by the Edomites, Moabites, Ammonites, Israelites and other local kingdoms.


The Ammonites had conquered Madaba by 165 BCE, but it was taken from them by Hyrcanus I around 110 BCE. His son Hyrcanus II later gave the city to the Nabateans in exchange for their help in recovering Jerusalem from Aristobulus II. Near the beginning of the second century CE, Trajan ousted the Nabateans from Madaba, and the city gradually became a Roman provincial town with the usual colonnaded streets and impressive public buildings. The Byzantine era saw Madaba enter its most affluent era. Grand buildings and a reservoir were constructed, while in the sixth century CE bishops were assigned to the city and a number of religious structures were erected. The importance of Madaba as a Byzantine ecclesiastical center is demonstrated by the wealth of elaborate mosaics scattered throughout the town.After the Persian invasion of 614 CE and a devastating earthquake in the year 747, the town was gradually abandoned. Madaba then lay virtually untouched until it was resettled in the late 19th century by Christians from Karak. The city's greatest treasures, its mosaics, were uncovered then when these migrants were digging foundations for their houses. Madaba's most famous mosaic is located in the Church of St. George in the middle of town. The Mosaic Map of Palestine represents the Holy Land and its surrounding regions. Clearly visible on the map are al-Quds (Jerusalem) and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dead Sea, the Jordan River, Nablus, al-Khalil (Hebron), Ariha (Jericho), Egypt and the Nile River, Turkey and Lebanon. The mosaic was made around 560 CE, originally composed of over 2.3 million pieces, and measured a staggering 25 by 5 meters. 



It is thought that 11,500 man-hours would have been required to lay the entire mosaic. The church is open to the public every day 08:30-18:00, except for Friday and Sunday when it is open 10:30-18:00. A small donation to the poor is requested. 




Madaba's museum is located down a small alley a few blocks south of St. George's Church. Just follow the signs. The museum's greatest attraction is a collection of mosaic collages, some of which are in excellent condition. It was established on the site of an ancient chapel, so its own mosaics form the hub of the museum's collection. The museum also exhibits traditional embroidered Jordanian dresses, and jewelry and pottery dating back to various ages. The museum is open Wednesday through Monday 09:00-17:00, holidays 10:00-16:00. Adjacent to the museum is an innovative mosaic school. In an effort to preserve Madaba's heritage and develop its tourist potential, the Ministry of Tourism established the school to train technicians to repair and restore mosaics. It is the only project of its type in the Middle East.At the southern entrance to Madaba, near the King's Highway, is the Church of the Apostles. The ruins of this Byzantine church date to 578 CE, and are currently being restored. One of Madaba's most beautiful mosaics adorns the floor of this church. The mosaic is known as "Personification of the Sea" and it vividly depicts a woman emerging from the sea, surrounded by mythical aquatic creatures and a hodgepodge of rams, bulls, parrots and exotic vegetation. The mosaic was signed by a mosaicist named Salamanios. In addition to its spectacular collection of mosaics and Byzantine treasures, Madaba is also well known for its hand-woven carpets, saddle bags and tapestries. You can actually see them being crafted on the loom in several shops. 
 

Hammamat Mae’n Hot Springs

BY Unknown IN No comments




Hammamat mae’n






Hammamat mae’n: Is a series of hot mineral springs and waterfalls located between madaba and the dead sea Jordan The springs still run hot today and the site provides a full range of spa services there is an day-use fee to enter the complex The main waterfall ranges in temperature from 40 to 60 c , its always full of families and young people enjoying the water. There are a smaller hot pools and smaller falls nearby as well. 
About 6km after the turnoff for Hammamat Ma'in is the impressive Al Megheirat dolmen field, with hundreds of dolmens (prehistoric chamber tombs) scattered across several hillsides. Location: about a 20-minute drive southwest from Madaba towards the Dead Sea - Jordan


Wadi Rum

BY Unknown IN No comments

Wadi Rum


If you like adventure, you'll love Wadi Rum. Here you can hire a camel and follow in the footsteps of Lawrence of Arabia, climb the highest peaks, or take a safari trip across the rolling sand dunes in a 4x4 vehicle. You can explore by foot the hidden canyons and discover the secret messages carved in the walls over four thousand years ago, or take a hot air balloon trip and soar with the eagles high above this amazing site.

 
  Hiking

By far the best way to explore the area is by foot and there are excellent opportunities for unusual treks. Many of these will take you down virtually unexplored canyons, or ‘siqs’, where ancient Thamudic inscriptions and drawings can be seen carved into the rocks and Nabataean steps can be found leading to higher places. Also to be discovered are Lawrence’s Well, a Nabataean temple, desert oasis’ and amazing rock bridges. Everywhere are breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of deep tranquillity.

 

  Climbing


For experienced rock-climbers there are climbs reaching 1,700 meters, which vary between Grade 3 and 5 in difficulty. The rocks are sandstone and excellent climbs are possible, often exceeding the quality and length of those in places such as the Italian Dolomites. Climbers must enquire in advance from the Visitors Centre, as climbs are restricted and must be accompanied by an experienced Bedouin guide.
 

 


 
   Camel Caravans


Although a common way to explore Wadi Rum is by Jeep safari, many of the more secluded areas are inaccessible to vehicles. Camels offer a more authentic and eco-friendly mode of transport as does horse-riding. Camel and Horse Caravans can be arranged through the Visitors Centre and include trips between Aqaba, Wadi Rum and Petra. Horse-riding tours are available from independent tour operators and should be booked in advance.


 


   Bird watching


Because of its unique ecosystem, Wadi Rum is a great place for bird watchers as it is a route for bird migration, the spring and autumn being the best times of the year for this activity. There are a great number of different species to be seen either nesting in the rock faces or soaring on the thermals high above the cliffs. Vultures, Eagles and other larger species of birds can often be seen here too. It's a good idea to bring a pair of binoculars with you.
Night Walking
Night walking in Wadi Rum during the summer months is a surreal experience but not for the fainthearted. Only experienced walkers should undertake this activity as it is easy to become disorientated in this vast wilderness. However, those who do it are always deeply impressed by the experience.

 
  Hot air ballooning


This is also an unforgettable way to view Wadi Rum. Ballooning trips are available during April to June and September to December. The balloons carry up to eight passengers and lift off early in the early mornings, when the winds and thermals are right

 

 



Hiking in WadiMujib   



Grab a lifejacket and take the plunge. The river is your only path as you trek uphill from the Dead Sea through the narrow, 50 meter high, walls of the Wadi. Your guide will take you through a series of cascading waterfalls, each more challenging than the one before.
The Royal Society for the Conservation of Nature (RSCN) offers many different adventures in the Mujib, its most extensive trek is known as the 'Lost Trail to the Dead Sea', a full day expedition that descends from the rugged highlands above Mujib, down to the Dead Sea. Not for the fainthearted!
For those who appreciate Mother Nature and the thrill of the outdoors, a hike through the Wadi system may prove to be a challenging exercise rejuvenating the body as well as the mind.

Jerash

BY Unknown IN No comments

Jerash


Ancient Jerash was an open city of freestanding structures richly embellished with marble and granite. Its engineering was so advanced that large parts of the city still survive today. Much more has been painstakingly restored by archeological teams from around the world.

  Hippodrome

This massive arena was 245m long and 52m wide and could seat 15,000 spectators at a time for chariot races and other sports. The exact date of its construction is unclear but it is estimated between the mid-second to third century AD. It is now also possible to relive the days when gladiators and charioteers appeared before the crowds, with regular re-enactments by the Roman Army and Chariot Experience (RACE).


    

 

  Oval Plaza

The spacious plaza measures 90mx80m and is surrounded by a broad sidewalk and colonnade of 1st century AD Ionic columns. There are two alters in the middle, and a fountain was added in the 7th Century AD. This square structure now supports a central column, which was recently erected to carry the Jerash Festival Flame.



  Colonnaded Street

Still paved with the original stones – the ruts worn by chariots are still visible – the 800m Cardo was the architectural spine and focal point of Jerash. An underground sewage system ran the full length of the Cardo and the regular holes at the sides of the street drained rainwater into the sewers.

 



  Cathedral

Further up the Cardo Maximus, on the left is the monumental and richly carved gateway of a 2nd century Roman Temple of Dionysus. In the 4th century the temple was rebuilt as a Byzantine church now referred to as the ‘Cathedral’ (although there is no evidence that it held more importance than any of the other churches). At the top of the stairs, against an outer East wall of the Cathedral is the shrine of St. Mary, with a painted inscription to Mary and the archangels Michael and Gabriel.

 



   Nymphaeum

This ornamental fountain was constructed in 191AD and dedicated to the Nymphs. Such fountains were common in Roman cities, and provided a refreshing focal point for the city. This well-preserved example was originally embellished with marble facings on the lower level and painted plaster on the upper level, topped with a half-dome roof. Water cascaded through seven carved lion's heads into small basins on the sidewalk and overflowed from there through drains and into the underground sewage system.

 


  North Theatre

The North Theatre was built in 165AD. In front is a colonnaded plaza where a staircase led up to the entrance. The theatre originally only had 14 rows of seats and was used for performances, city council meetings, etc. In 235AD, the theatre was doubled in size to its current capacity of 1,600. The theatre fell into disuse in the 5th century and many of its stones were taken for use in other buildings.

 

 

  South Theatre

Built during the reign of Emperor Domitian, between 90-92AD, the South Theatre can seat more than 3000 spectators. The first level of the ornate stage, which was originally a two-storey structure, has been reconstructed and is still used today. The theatre's remarkable acoustics allow a speaker at the centre of the orchestra floor to be heard throughout the entire auditorium without raising his voice. Two vaulted passages lead into the orchestra, and four passages at the back of the theatre give access to the upper rows of seats. Some seats could be reserved and the Greek letters which designate them can still be seen.

Dead Sea

BY Unknown IN No comments

Dead Sea


The Jordan Valley is part of the Great Rift Valley that runs from Turkey to east Africa, formed by a series of geological upheavals millions of years ago. The Dead Sea originally stretched the entire 360 kilometres, from Aqaba, in the south, to Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) in the north.
The therapeutic water of the Dead Sea, combined with the valley’s fertile land and warm climate, have attracted people to live, hunt and farm in the area since the Stone Age. Over 200 archaeological sites have been discovered, but there are believed to be many more.
Many of the historical sites around the Dead Sea region are intrinsically linked with biblical events.


For Christians, this region inspires their faith. This is the place where God first spoke to Man. It is the Holy Land where God gave his Ten Commandments to Moses, where Job suffered and was rewarded for his faith, Where Jesus was baptized by John, and where Jacob wrestled with the angel of God. In the Book of Genesis, God refers to the Jordan River Valley around the Dead Sea, as the “Garden of the Lord”, and it is believed to be the location of the Garden of Eden,The infamous cities of Sodom and Gomorrah and many other places were the subjects of dramatic and enduring Old Testament stories, including that of Lot, whose wife turned into a pillar of salt for disobeying God’s will.
Twelve hundred years after the death of Moses, the Bible claims that John the Baptist preached and baptized in a place called Bethany Beyond the Jordan. This place has now been identified as Tell a-Kharrar and Elijah’s Hill.



The growing demand on water consumption in the region has seen the natural inflow to the Dead Sea diminish rapidly over the past years. So much so, that there is a risk of the sea drying up altogether within the next 50 years. This would be a devastating loss, not only for tourism and the economy, but also for the loss of the Dead Sea’s unique properties, the surrounding environment and its flora and fauna.
surrounding environment and its flora and fauna. To combat this critical situation, plans are being made to transport water from the Red Sea to the Dead Sea. The operation, known as ‘Peace Conduit’ since it involves the cooperation of Jordan, Israel and Palestine, aims at bringing 1.8 billion cubic meters of water annually to the Dead Sea.
The Jordan Valley is a great place for thrill-seekers of all ages and abilities. The hills, valleys and waterways that lead down to the Dead Sea, provide a natural playground for a multitude of outdoor activities, from leisurely walks to exhilarating horseback rides and challenging climbs. Almost all activities take place under Jordan's strict code of nature conservation which visitors are expected to respect.

Dead Sea Ultra Marathon



An international 'fun run' that takes place every April and raises money for The Society for the Care of Neurological Patients. Starts in Amman and runs 42 kilometres (26 miles) to the Dead Sea. Fortunately, mostly downhill.

Petra

BY Unknown IN No comments

Petra


By the 2nd century BC, Petra had become a huge city encompassing around 10 kms, and was the capital of the Nabataean Kingdom.

Primarily, the Nabataeans were farmers. They cultivated vines and olive trees and bred camels, sheep, goats and horses. They were skilled at water management and built a complex network of channels and cisterns to bring water from a plentiful source at Ain Musa several kilometres away, to the centre of the city. But their main wealth came from the fact that Petra was an important hub for the lucrative trade routes that linked China in the east with Rome in the west.    
Caravans laden with incense, silks and spices and other exotic goods, would rest at Petra, which offered a plentiful supply of water and protection from marauders. In return for their hospitality, the Nabataeans imposed a tax on all goods which passed through the city and grew wealthy from the proceeds.


   


 
During the time of Jesus and the Apostles, one of the East Mediterranean's greatest trading centres was located in the southern Jordan city of Petra, the extensive rock-cut capital of the Nabataean Kingdom. During the Exodus, Moses and the Israelites passed through the Petra area in Edom. Local tradition says that the spring at Wadi Musa (Valley of Moses), just outside Petra, is the place where Moses struck the rock and brought forth water (Numbers 20:10-11). The Bible says that Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land but could only glimpse it from Mount Nebo because he struck the rock with his rod to bring forth water, instead of speaking to it, as God had commanded (Numbers 20:12-24).
Aaron, the brother of Moses and Miriam, who was called by God to be Moses' prophet, died in Jordan and was buried in Petra at Mount Hor, now called JabalHarun in Arabic (Mount Aaron). A Byzantine church and later an Islamic shrine/tomb of Aaron were built on the summit of the mountain, which today attracts pilgrims from all over the world. Aaron was the first High Priest of the Bible and is remembered for the beautiful blessing that God commanded him to give people: "The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace" (Numbers 6:24-26).
Petra is sometimes called the ‘Lost City’. In spite of its being such an important city in antiquity, after the 14th century AD, Petra was completely lost to the western world. It was rediscovered in 1812 by the Swiss traveller, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, who tricked his way into the fiercely guarded site by pretending to be an Arab from India wishing to make a sacrifice at the tomb of the Prophet Aaron.

Petra Fun – Adventure    

 
The entire area around the site of Petra offers dramatic and varied landscapes. The canyons and high places are a maze of wind-sculptured rocks, tiny meandering tracks and secluded valleys, where the only sound is the tinkling of goat bells or the reedy notes of a shepherd's flute. It is, in effect, an adventurer's playground. This is a great place for walking, trekking, horse riding and off-road cycling.
Although some activities are not permitted within the site itself, there are plenty really great locations in the area. If you’ve explored all there is to see in Petra itself and you still have energy for more, head down the wadi to Little Petra. It may not be as quite as monumental as the main site but it was an important suburb of Petra and there is still much to see here.
 
Petra by Night


To visit Petra during daylight is an awe-inspiring experience, to experience it at night by the light of 1,800 candles is truly an out-of-this-world experience! Walk through the Siq to the Khazneh following a candle-lit path and enjoy the haunting music of the Bedouin at the Treasury. Tours start at 8.30pm and finish at 10.00pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Petra Site Office at the entrance to the site. Allow yourself plenty of time to walk through the Siq, you don't want to miss the show.
 
Trekking



If you have the time and the energy to face the inclination, climb up to the shrine of the prophet Aaron, 1,350 meters (4,429 ft.) above sea level. It is the highest point in Petra and you will be rewarded by spectacular views of the entire region. The climb takes about 2-3 hours, so be sure to wear a good pair of walking shoes and take plenty of water.
 
The Ammarin Bedouin Camp


If you want an alternative to the ordinary, spend a night at the Ammarin Bedouin Camp. The Ammarin are a local tribe that settled near Petra, in Beidha, during the early nineteenth century. With an objective to nurture the local Bedouin culture while raising awareness on the surrounding environment, the Ammarin Bedouin Camp promises to be a magnificent experience filled with entertainment that includes authentic Bedouin music, dance, and delicious local cuisine.
The tents are furnished with Bedouin style mattresses and rugs to accommodate guests while the campsite itself has a large common area that can host up to 350 guests and has modern facilities such as showers with running hot water housed in a Bedouin tent.
Visitors to the Ammarin Bedouin Camp are constantly reminded by their surroundings of the rich and magical history of the lost city of Petra. Whether you fancy a day of hiking and trekking or an afternoon of camel riding throughout Beidha and Petra, the Ammarin Bedouin Camp is well worth a stopover.
 
‘Lawrence of Arabia’ Riding Experience


La Beduina tours give you that real 'Lawrence of Arabia' riding experience. Arabian mares are arguably the finest horses in the world, and we provide these superior mounts on all our horse tours, no matter what your level of experience, from beginner to expert you will definitely live a great experience.
The excursions combine visits of many fascinating archaeological sites with the thrill of riding one of these beautiful horses. The tour covers a distance of 25-45 km in desert and or mountainous terrain.