View source for Al-Maghtas

{{short description|Archaeological site in Jordan}}
{{redirect|Bethabara|the Moravian settlement in North Carolina|Bethabara Historic District}}
{{Infobox historic site
| name            = Al-Maghtas<br />(Bethany Beyond the Jordan)
| native_name     = المغطس
| native_language = Arabic
| image           = Bethany (5).JPG
| caption         = Excavation of baptism site
| locmapin        = Jordan
| coordinates     = {{Coord|31|50|14|N|35|33|01|E|display=inline,title}}
| location        = [[Balqa Governorate]], Jordan
| area            = 
| website         = {{URL|www.baptismsite.com}}
| embedded        = {{Infobox UNESCO World Heritage Site
 |child           = yes
 |official_name   = Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas)
 |criteria        = {{UNESCO WHS type|(iii)(vi)}}(iii)(vi)
 |ID              = 1446
 |year            = 2015
 |area            = {{cvt|294.155|ha|sqmi}}
 |buffer_zone     = {{cvt|957.178|ha|sqmi}}
 }}
}}

'''Al-Maghtas''' ({{langx|ar|المغطس}}, meaning {{gloss|[[baptism]]}} or {{gloss|immersion}}), officially known as '''Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan"''', is an archaeological [[List of World Heritage Sites in Jordan|World Heritage Site]] in [[Jordan]], on the [[Transjordan (region)|east bank]] of the [[Jordan River]], reputed to be the original location of the [[Baptism of Jesus]] by [[John the Baptist]] and venerated as such since at least the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]] period.<ref name=Evaluation/> The place has also been referred to as '''Bethabara''' ({{langx|he|בית עברה}}) and historically '''Bethany''' (''Beyond the Jordan'').<ref name=SeeHL/>

Al-Maghtas includes two principal archaeological areas: the remnants of a monastery on a mound known as Jabal Mar-Elias ([[Elijah]]'s Hill) and an area close to the river with remains of churches, baptism ponds and pilgrim and hermit dwellings.<ref name=UNESCO>{{cite web |title=Baptism Site "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" (Al-Maghtas) – UNESCO World Heritage Centre |url=https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1446 |access-date=6 December 2015 |publisher=UNESCO |archive-date=19 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170119092144/http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/1446 |url-status=live }}</ref> The two areas are connected by a stream called Wadi Kharrar.<ref name=WPost>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/07/13/u-n-backs-jordans-claim-on-site-where-jesus-was-baptized/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Ishaan |last=Tharoor |date=July 13, 2015 |title=U.N. backs Jordan's claim on site where Jesus was baptized |access-date=December 24, 2015 |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710225355/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/07/13/u-n-backs-jordans-claim-on-site-where-jesus-was-baptized/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://journals.ju.edu.jo/DirasatHum/article/viewFile/1449/1439 |title=The Discovery of Bethany Beyond the Jordan River (Wadi Al-Kharrar) |publisher=Journals.ju.edu.jo |access-date=2015-04-29 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402140833/http://journals.ju.edu.jo/DirasatHum/article/viewFile/1449/1439 |archive-date=2015-04-02}}</ref>

The strategic location between Jerusalem and the [[King's Highway (ancient)|King's Highway]] is already evident from the [[Book of Joshua]] report about the [[Israelites]] crossing the Jordan there. Jabal Mar-Elias is traditionally identified as the site of the [[Entering heaven alive|ascension]] of the [[Elijah|prophet Elijah]] to heaven.<ref name=Noack>{{cite news |author=Rosemarie Noack |title=Wo Johannes taufte |url=http://www.zeit.de/1999/52/199952.jordanien_.xml |newspaper=Die Zeit |date=22 December 1999 |access-date=2015-12-09 |archive-date=2016-02-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160220103214/http://www.zeit.de/1999/52/199952.jordanien_.xml |url-status=live }}</ref> The complete area was abandoned after the 1967 [[Six-Day War]], when both banks of the Jordan became part of the frontline. The area was heavily mined then.<ref name=Arabiya>{{cite news |url=http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2015/07/13/UNESCO-backs-Jordan-as-Jesus-baptism-site-.html |title=UNESCO backs Jordan River as Jesus' baptism site |date=13 July 2015 |work=Al Arabiya News |location=Dubai, United Arab Emirates |agency=Associated Press |access-date=24 December 2015 |archive-date=31 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181231194106/http://english.alarabiya.net/en/perspective/features/2015/07/13/UNESCO-backs-Jordan-as-Jesus-baptism-site-.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

After the signing of the [[Israel–Jordan peace treaty]] in 1994, de-mining of the area soon took place at the initiative of Jordanian [[Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad|Prince Ghazi]].<ref name=JoTimes1>{{cite web |url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/adding-baptism-site-world-heritage-list-grants-it-further-int%E2%80%99l-recognition%E2%80%99 |title='Adding Baptism Site to World Heritage List grants it further int'l recognition' |publisher=Jordan Times |access-date=2018-04-18 |archive-date=2017-10-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171012232956/http://jordantimes.com/news/local/adding-baptism-site-world-heritage-list-grants-it-further-int%E2%80%99l-recognition%E2%80%99 |url-status=live }}</ref> The site has since then seen several archaeological digs, visits by three [[Pope]]s ([[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]], [[Pope Benedict XVI|Benedict XVI]], and [[Pope Francis|Francis]]) and by many heads of state,<ref>{{Cite web |title=All World Leaders – Baptism Site |url=https://www.baptismsite.com/all-world-leaders/ |access-date=2022-07-30 |website=www.baptismsite.com |archive-date=2022-09-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929171235/https://www.baptismsite.com/all-world-leaders/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and attracts tourists and pilgrimage activity.<ref name=JoTimes2>{{cite web |url=http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/catholics-celebrate-epiphany-coexistence-faiths-baptism-site#sthash.arczgCyW.dpuf |title=Catholics celebrate Epiphany, coexistence of faiths at Baptism Site |date=9 January 2016 |publisher=Jordan Times |access-date=2018-04-18 |archive-date=2018-07-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180718084145/http://www.jordantimes.com/news/local/catholics-celebrate-epiphany-coexistence-faiths-baptism-site#sthash.arczgCyW.dpuf |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2015, the site was designated as a [[World Heritage Site]] by [[UNESCO]], excluding the western side of the river. Approximately 81,000 people visited the site in 2016, mostly European, American, and Arab tourists.<ref name=no>{{cite web |url=http://www.alghad.com/articles/1347432-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%AA-81-%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A7-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B7%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A |title=الفرجات: 81 ألفا زاروا المغطس العام الماضي |language=ar |access-date=7 January 2017 |work=Al Ghad |date=2 January 2017 |archive-date=3 January 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170103133540/http://www.alghad.com/articles/1347432-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D8%B1%D8%AC%D8%A7%D8%AA-81-%D8%A3%D9%84%D9%81%D8%A7-%D8%B2%D8%A7%D8%B1%D9%88%D8%A7-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%BA%D8%B7%D8%B3-%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%B9%D8%A7%D9%85-%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%A7%D8%B6%D9%8A |url-status=dead}}</ref> Thousands flock to the site on January 6 to mark [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]].<ref name=JoTimes2/>

==Names==

===Bethany===
Two passages from the [[Gospel of John]] indicate a place "beyond the Jordan" or "across the Jordan": 
: {{bibleref2|John|1:28|NRSV}}: ''These things took place in [[Bethany]] beyond the Jordan, where [[John the Baptist|John]] was baptising''. This is the only mention of this “Bethany on the East bank of the Jordan” in the New Testament.
: {{bibleref2|John|10:40|NRSV}}: ''He [Jesus] went away again across the Jordan to the place where John had been baptizing earlier, and he remained there''.

"Bethany" may come from ''beth-ananiah'', [[Hebrew language|Hebrew]] for "house of the poor/afflicted".<ref>{{cite book |title=Mercer Dictionary of the Bible |editor=Watson E. Mills |year=2001 |location=Macon, GA, US |publisher=[[Mercer University Press]] |page=99 |isbn=9780865543737 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=goq0VWw9rGIC&pg=PA99 |access-date=2019-01-03 |archive-date=2023-08-29 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829021305/https://books.google.com/books?id=goq0VWw9rGIC&pg=PA99 |url-status=live }}</ref> The name "Bethany" is shared with [[Al-Eizariya|a different town]] located on the [[Mount of Olives]], mentioned many times in the New Testament. Most English versions of the New Testament refer to "Bethany on the east bank of the Jordan River" (including the [[Douay-Rheims Bible|Douay-Rheims]], [[NIV]], [[New American Standard Bible|NASB]], [[New Living Translation|NLT]], [[Revised Standard Version|RSV]], [[International Bible Society|IBS]], and [[Darby Bible|Darby]]).

===Bethabara===
[[File:Sapsaphas Madaba.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[Madaba Map]] section showing ''Βέθαβαρά το τού άγίου Ιωάννου τού βαπτίσματος'' ("Bethabara, the place of St. John's baptising") to the west of the Jordan River]]

[[Origen]] was a 3rd-century Christian scholar from Palestine.<ref name=SeeHL/> Noticing that in his time there was no place called Bethany east of the Jordan, he suggested amending the name to Bethabara, an existing place at the time.<ref name=SeeHL/> His suggestion was picked up by some, and it was used in several translations, including the [[King James Version]].<ref name=SeeHL>[https://www.seetheholyland.net/tag/bethabara/ Bethany beyond the Jordan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230829021815/https://www.seetheholyland.net/tag/bethabara/ |date=2023-08-29 }} on SeeTheHolyLand.net, accessed February 2020</ref>

"Bethabara" ({{IPAc-en|b|ɛ|θ|ˈ|æ|b|ər|ə}} {{respell|beth|AB|ər|ə}}; בית עברה; ''bēt ‛ăbārāh''; Βηθαβαρά; ''Bēthabará''; "house of the ford", "place of crossing") is the name used by some versions of the [[New Testament]] for the site "beyond (i.e. east of) the [[Jordan River|Jordan]]" where [[John the Baptist]] preached and performed [[baptism]]s, where he met with a group of [[Kohen|priests]] and [[Levites]] sent by the [[Pharisees]] to investigate his ministry, and where he [[baptism of Jesus|baptised Jesus]] (Yeshua) ({{Bibleref|John|1:28-29|NKJV}}). The name "Bethabara" also appears on the 6th-century [[Madaba Map]] (though west of the Jordan River) and in the [[Talmud]]. The name is used in a number of versions, including the King James Version (following the ''[[Textus Receptus]]'' and in the [[Geneva Bible]] of the [[New Testament]]) the place where [[John the Baptist]] was [[baptized|baptizing]] in John 1:28 was not called Bethany, but [[Bethabara]].<ref>Sloyan, Gerard Stephen (1987). ''John''. {{ISBN|0-8042-3125-7}}. p. 11.</ref>

It follows the New York and Moscow uncials, corrected forms of [[Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus|Ephraemi]] and Athos, along with uncial fragments from St Petersburg, Paris, minuscule 1, and family 13, backed up by [[Eusebius]], Cyril, some [[Byzantine text-type|Byzantine texts]] and lectionaries, and the Curetonian Old Syriac, Aramaic Peshitta, Armenian, and Georgian manuscripts, among others,<ref>Cited in ''The Greek New Testament'', 4th ed. (1983)</ref> ". The reading ''Bethabara'' became current owing to the advocacy of both [[Origen]] (3rd century)<ref>[http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02532a.htm Bethany Beyond the Jordan] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200126091025/http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/02532a.htm |date=2020-01-26 }} - [[Catholic Encyclopedia]] article</ref> and [[John Chrysostom]] (4th century),<ref>Bruce Metzger, ''Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament'', 2nd ed. (1994), 171 and n. 5.</ref> and that same Bethabara is attested in both the 6th-century Madaba Map<ref>''Harper's Bible Dictionary'' (1985), 105</ref> and in the Jewish [[Talmud]].<ref>Raymond Brown, ''Gospel According to John I-XII'', Anchor Bible (1968), 44-45.</ref>

[[George Adam Smith|G. A. Smith]] suggests in his "Atlas of the Historical Geography of the Holy Land" (HGHL; 1915) that Bethany (''house of the ship'') and Bethabara (''house of the ford'') are names for the same place. The second place may also refer to the more northerly territory of [[Batanaea]].<ref>Carson, D. A. (1991). ''Gospel According to John''. {{ISBN|978-0851117492}}. pp. 146–47.</ref><ref name=MillerRectorRPI>{{cite web |title=Bethany Beyond the Jordan |author=Charles Miller, S.M. |work=CNEWA WORLD |publisher=Catholic Near East Welfare Association (CNEWA) |date=January–February 2002 |url=http://www.cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=942&pagetypeID=4&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1 |access-date=23 December 2015 |archive-date=23 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151223235919/http://www.cnewa.org/default.aspx?ID=942&pagetypeID=4&sitecode=HQ&pageno=1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Al-Maghtas===
Al-Maghtas is the Arabic word for a site of immersion, and implicitly of baptism.

==Geography==
Al-Maghtas is located on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, {{Convert|9|km}} north of the [[Dead Sea]] and {{cvt|10|km}} southeast of [[Jericho]]. The entire site, which is spread over an area of {{Convert|533.7|hectare|km2 acre}}, has two distinct zones – Tell al-Kharrar, also called Jabal Mar Elias (Elijah's Hill), and the area close to the river ({{cvt|2|km}} to the west), the Zor area, where the ancient Church of Saint John the Baptist is situated.<ref name=Evaluation/><ref name=UNESCO/>

The site is close to the ancient road between [[Jerusalem]] and Transjordan, via [[Jericho]], across a Jordan River ford and connecting to other biblical sites such as [[Madaba]], [[Mount Nebo]] and the [[King's Highway (ancient)|King's Highway]].<ref name=Arabiya/>

While the initial site of veneration was on the eastern side of the River Jordan, the focus had shifted to the western side by the 6th century.<ref name=Alliata>Alliata (1999), p. 122.</ref> The term Al-Maghtas itself has been used historically for the area stretching over both banks of the river. The western part, also known under the name [[Qasr el Yahud|Qasr el-Yahud]], has been mentioned in the UNESCO proposal, but so far has not been declared as a World Heritage Site.<ref name=WPost/><ref name=ChrPost>{{cite web |title=Jesus' Baptism at Jordan River Named 'World Heritage Site;' but UNESCO Says Only on Jordanian Side, Not Israel |url=http://www.christianpost.com/news/jesus-baptism-in-jordan-river-named-world-heritage-site-but-unesco-says-only-on-jordanian-side-not-israel-141448/ |website=Christian Post |date=13 July 2015 |access-date=2015-12-07 |archive-date=2018-06-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180612163525/https://www.christianpost.com/news/jesus-baptism-in-jordan-river-named-world-heritage-site-but-unesco-says-only-on-jordanian-side-not-israel-141448/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

In November 2015, the site became available on [[Google Street View in Jordan|Google Street View]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.google.com/maps/streetview/#jordan-highlights/the-baptismal-site |title=Google Street View – Explore natural wonders and world landmarks |access-date=2018-04-18 |archive-date=2016-08-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160804072022/https://www.google.com/maps/streetview/#jordan-highlights/the-baptismal-site |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Religious significance==

===Israelites' crossing of the Jordan===
According to the [[Hebrew Bible]], [[Joshua]] instructed the [[Israelites]] how to cross the Jordan by following the [[Kohen|priests]] who were carrying the [[Ark of the Covenant]] through the river, thus making its waters stop their flow (Joshua 3, mainly {{bibleverse|Joshua|3:14–17}}). Ancient traditions identified Al-Maghtas, known in antiquity as ''bet-'abarah''<ref>{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=j3jsKqzuP5YC&q=%22Bet+Abarah%22&pg=PA975 |title=Othmar Keel, Max Küchler and Christoph Uehlinger, ''Orte und Landschaften der Bibel'' Volume 2, p. 530 |access-date=2018-04-18 |isbn=9783545230422 |last1=Keel |first1=Othmar |last2=Küchler |first2=Max |last3=Uehlinger |first3=Christoph |year=1982 |publisher=Vandenhoeck & Ruprecht}}</ref> or Bethabara, "House of the Crossing" (see [[Madaba Map]]), as the place where the people of Israel and later Prophet Elijah crossed the Jordan River and entered the [[Promised Land]].<ref name=RamiKhouri>{{cite web |title=Bethany beyond the Jordan: John the Baptist's settlement at "Bethany beyond the Jordan" sheds new light on baptism tradition in Jordan |author=Rami G. Khouri |publisher=The American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) |date=1999 |url=http://www.asor.org/outreach/Features/bethany.htm |access-date=11 March 2004 |archive-date=17 February 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040217212511/http://www.asor.org/outreach/Features/bethany.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=NegevGibson>{{cite book |work=Archaeological Encyclopedia of the Holy Land |title=Beth Abara |author=Avraham Negev and Shimon Gibson |year=2001 |location=New York and London |publisher=Continuum |page=75 |isbn=0-8264-1316-1}}</ref>

===Prophet Elijah===
The Hebrew Bible also described how Prophet [[Elijah]], accompanied by Prophet [[Elisha]], stopped the waters of the Jordan, crossing to the eastern side, and then went up by a whirlwind into the heavens. Elisha, now his heir, again separated the waters and crossed back ({{bibleverse|2|Kings|2:8–14}}). An ancient Jewish tradition identified the site of crossing with the same one used by Joshua, thus with Al-Maghtas, and the site of Elijah's ascension with Tell el-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar Elias, "Hill of Prophet Elijah".<ref>{{cite web |url=http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/24/pope_meets_refugees,_disabled_youth_near_jordans_banks/1100933 |title=News from the Vatican - News about the Church - Vatican News |publisher=En.radiovaticana.va |access-date=2018-04-18 |archive-date=2016-03-04 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304095418/http://en.radiovaticana.va/news/2014/05/24/pope_meets_refugees,_disabled_youth_near_jordans_banks/1100933 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Baptism of Jesus===
John probably baptised in springs and brooks at least as much as he did in the more dangerous Jordan River. The concrete example is "Aenon near Salim" of {{bibleverse|John|3:23}}, where "aenon" stands for spring. At Al-Maghtas there is a short brook, Wadi al-Kharrar, which flows to the Jordan, and is associated with the baptism activities of John.<ref name=Noack/>

====Historicity====
''[[The Washington Post]]'' states, "There is no archaeological evidence of Jesus ever having been baptized in these waters";<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/07/13/u-n-backs-jordans-claim-on-site-where-jesus-was-baptized/ |newspaper=The Washington Post |first=Ishaan |last=Tharoor |date=July 13, 2015 |title=U.N. backs Jordan's claim on site where Jesus was baptized |quote=There is no archaeological evidence of Jesus ever having been baptized in these waters, but there's a long tradition -- dating back at least to Byzantine times -- of mass baptisms taking place near the site. |access-date=December 24, 2015 |archive-date=July 10, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710225355/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/worldviews/wp/2015/07/13/u-n-backs-jordans-claim-on-site-where-jesus-was-baptized/ |url-status=live }}</ref> however, the Jordanian, eastern side of the traditional baptism area of Al-Maghtas has been accepted by various Christian denominations as the authentic site of the baptism of Jesus.<ref name=WPost/> [[ICOMOS]] in its consideration of "Bethany Beyond the Jordan" as a [[UNESCO]] [[World Heritage Site]] notes that sites historically associated with Jesus' baptism also exist on the west bank across the river as well<ref>{{cite journal |title=2015 ICOMOS report for the World Heritage Committee |volume=39th ordinary session, Bonn, June–July 2015 |issue=WHC-15/39.COM/INF.8B1 |page=50 |publisher=UNESCO}}</ref> and puts forth that their investigation into the Al-Maghtas site for recognition as a World Heritage Center does not prove without doubt that the archaeological structures there actually relate historically to Jesus' baptism and further notes that other sites along the Jordan River have historically made similar claims.<ref>{{cite journal |title=2015 ICOMOS report for the World Heritage Committee |volume=39th ordinary session, Bonn, June–July 2015 |issue=WHC-15/39.COM/INF.8B1 |page=51 |publisher=UNESCO}}</ref> The Baptism Site's official website shows 13 authentication testimonials from representatives of major international denominations.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.baptismsite.com/authentication/ |title=Letters of Authentication |website=Baptism Site |access-date=27 December 2016 |language=en |archive-date=28 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161228031756/http://www.baptismsite.com/authentication/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==History and archaeology==
[[File:Al Maghtas in the 1849 Lynch Map of the Jordan River (cropped).jpg|thumb|Al Maghtas in the 1849 Lynch Map of the Jordan River (cropped)]]
[[File:Al Maghtas on the Survey of Palestine 1944.jpg|thumb|Al Maghtas on the 1944 [[Survey of Palestine]] map]]

===Pre-Roman settlement===
The archaeological excavations have unearthed antiquities which attest to the conclusion that this site was first settled by a small group of agriculturists during the [[Chalcolithic|Chalcolithic period]], around 3500 BC. There are again signs of settlement from the [[Hellenistic period]].<ref name=Evaluation/>

===Roman and Byzantine periods===
The site contains buildings with both aspects of a Jewish [[mikveh]] (ritual bath) resembling [[Second Temple period]] pools from [[Qumran]], and later of Christian use, with large pools for baptism, linking both customs.<ref>{{Cite book |title=Washing in Water: Trajectories of Ritual Bathing in the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Literature |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=8jGRdFVnP74C |publisher=[[Society of Biblical Literature]] |date=2006-01-01 |isbn=9781589831995 |first=Jonathan David |last=Lawrence}}</ref>

Possibly in the 2nd–3rd and certainly starting with the 5th–6th centuries, Christian religious structures were built at Tell al-Kharrar.<ref name=RamiKhouri2>{{cite web |title=Bethany beyond the Jordan: John the Baptist's settlement at "Bethany beyond the Jordan" sheds new light on baptism tradition in Jordan |author=Rami G. Khouri |publisher=The American Schools of Oriental Research (ASOR) |date=1999 |quote=In this same area, south of the main tell, the excavators identified another rectangular building made of undressed field stones, measuring nearly 12 x 8 metres in size. The simple white mosaic floor of the building was slightly disfigured by the remains of ashes from the structure's final destruction - probably burnt roof beams. Dr Waheeb interprets this as a Christian pilgrims' 'prayer hall', rather than a church or chapel, on the basis of its location and style of construction. The evidence from the excavations suggests a slightly earlier date for this structure than the other parts of the monastery, probably in the Late Roman period (2nd-3rd Century AD?) when Christians were known to be active in this region. If so, it could be the earliest church or Christian prayer hall yet discovered in Jordan and the whole world. [...] Dr Waheeb tends to think that the three pools and the churches on the tell were built in the Late Byzantine period (5th-6th Century AD).... |url=http://www.asor.org/outreach/Features/bethany.htm |access-date=11 March 2004 |archive-date=17 February 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040217212511/http://www.asor.org/outreach/Features/bethany.htm |url-status=dead}}</ref> It must be remembered that in the 1st-4th centuries of the Christian Era, [[Christianity]] was often persecuted by the Roman state, and only after it became first tolerated and then outright the state religion of the Roman, or now so-called Byzantine Empire, open Christian worship became possible.

Archaeological excavations also established that the hill of Tell al-Kharrar, known as Elijah's Hill, was venerated as the spot from which Prophet Elijah ascended to heaven. In the 5th century, in commemoration, a Byzantine monastery was erected here. The archaeologists have named it the "Monastery of Rhetorios" after a name from a Byzantine mosaic inscription.<ref name=Evaluation/><ref name=UNESCO/>

The [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine emperor]] [[Anastasius I Dicorus]] erected between 491 and 518 a first church dedicated to John the Baptist on the eastern banks of the River Jordan. However, due to two flood and earthquake events the church was destroyed. The church was reconstructed three times, until it crumbled, together with the chapel built over piers, during a major flood event in the 6th or 7th century.<ref name=Evaluation/>

The pilgrimage sites have shifted throughout history. The main Christian archaeological finds from the Byzantine and possibly even Roman period indicated that the initial venerated pilgrimage site was on the east bank, but by the beginning of the 6th century the focus had moved onto the more accessible west bank of the river.<ref name=Alliata/>

During the Byzantine period, the site was a popular pilgrimage centre. The [[Sasanian conquest of Jerusalem]] in 614, river floodings, earthquakes and the Muslim [[Siege of Jerusalem (636–637)|capture of Jerusalem in 637]] put an end to Byzantine building activity on the east bank of the Jordan, particularly in the Wadi al-Kharrar area.<ref name=Waheeb>Mohammad Waheeb: [http://journals.ju.edu.jo/DirasatHum/article/viewFile/1449/1439 The Discovery of Bethany Beyond the Jordan River (Wadi Al- Kharrar)] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402140833/http://journals.ju.edu.jo/DirasatHum/article/viewFile/1449/1439 |date=2015-04-02 }} Dirasat Human and Social Sciences, Volume 35, No.1, 2008– 115 -</ref>

===Early Muslim period===
The [[Early Muslim conquests|Muslim conquest]] put an end to Byzantine building activity on the east bank of the Jordan River, but several of the Byzantine structures remained in use during the Early Islamic period. With time worship took place just across the river on the [[West Bank|western]] side at Qasr el-Yahud.<ref name=River>{{cite news |agency=Associated Press |title=No evidence, but UN says Jesus baptized on Jordan's side of river, not Israel's |newspaper=Times of Israel |date=13 July 2015 |url=http://www.timesofisrael.com/no-evidence-but-un-declares-jesus-baptised-on-jordan-side-of-river/ |access-date=9 December 2015 |archive-date=14 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151214145941/http://www.timesofisrael.com/no-evidence-but-un-declares-jesus-baptised-on-jordan-side-of-river/ |url-status=live }}</ref> After 670 AD the commemoration of the baptism site moved to the western side.<ref name=Waheeb/>

===Mamluk and Ottoman periods===
The structures were rebuilt many times but were finally deserted by end of the 15th century.<ref name=Evaluation/>

In the 13th century an [[Eastern Orthodox Church|Orthodox]] monastery was built over remnants of an earlier Byzantine predecessor,<ref name=Evaluation/> but how long it lasted is not known. However, pilgrimage to the site declined and according to one pilgrim, the site was in ruins in 1484. From the 15th to the 19th century there were hardly any visits by pilgrims to the site. A small chapel dedicated to St. [[Mary of Egypt]], a [[hermit]] from the Byzantine period, was built during the 19th century and was also destroyed in the [[1927 Jericho earthquake|1927 earthquake]].<ref name=YNet>{{cite news |title=UNESCO settles Jesus baptism site controversy, says Jordan |url=http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4676695,00.html |newspaper=Ynetnews |date=6 July 2015 |access-date=2015-12-09 |last1=Kais |first1=Roi |last2=Eichner |first2=Itamar |archive-date=2021-04-28 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210428173443/https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4676695,00.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=Waheeb2004>{{cite web |title=Historical Background |author=Mohammad Waheeb |work=Bethany (the project website of the chief archaeologist at Al-Maghtas, Dr. Mohammad Waheeb) |quote=After 670, gradually, baptism was gradually practiced in the western side. |url=http://www.elmaghtas.com/bethany/bethany.html |access-date=11 March 2004 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20040402095449/http://www.elmaghtas.com/bethany/bethany.html |archive-date=2004-04-02 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Piccirillo>Piccirillo (1999), pp. 219–220.</ref>

In the early part of the twentieth century, a farming community had occupied the area east of the Jordan River.<ref name=Evaluation/>

===Rediscovery after 1994 and tourism===
[[File:Jesus baptism site - River Jordan 015.jpg|thumb|right|The newly built Greek Orthodox Church of John the Baptist]]
[[File:The Baptism Site of Jesus Christ 8.JPG|thumb|right|Mural inside the new Greek Orthodox church: the baptism of Jesus]]
[[File:Mural - Elisha.jpg|thumb|right|Mural inside the new Greek Orthodox church: Elijah's fiery ascent into heaven]]

As a result of the [[Six-Day War|Six-Day War in 1967]], the river became the [[ceasefire]] line and both banks became militarised and inaccessible to pilgrims. After 1982, while Qasr el-Yahud was still off-limits, Israel enabled Christian baptisms at the [[Yardenit]] site further north.<ref name=BBC>{{Cite news |title=Baptism battles on River Jordan |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8250071.stm |newspaper=BBC |date=2009-09-15 |access-date=2015-12-09 |archive-date=2021-04-25 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210425215910/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/middle_east/8250071.stm |url-status=live }}</ref> Following the [[Israel–Jordan peace treaty]] in 1994 access to Al-Maghtas was restored after [[Prince Ghazi bin Muhammad|Prince Ghazi of Jordan]], who is deeply interested in religious history, visited the area in the company of a Franciscan archaeologist who had convinced him to take a look at what was thought to be the baptism site. When they found evidence of Roman-period habitation, this was enough to encourage de-mining and further development.<ref name=Piccirillo/> Soon afterwards, there were several archaeological digs<ref name=JoTimes1/> led by Dr. Mohammad Waheeb who rediscovered the ancient site in 1997.<ref name=JoTimes2/> The 1990s marked the period of archaeological excavations of the site followed by primary conservation and restoration measures during the early 21st century.<ref name=Evaluation/> Jordan fully reopened al-Maghtas in 2002. This was then followed by the Israeli-run western side, known as Qasr el-Yahud, which was opened for daily visits in 2011 – the traditional [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] celebrations had already been allowed to take place since 1985, but only at the specific Catholic and Orthodox dates and under military supervision.<ref name=River/><ref name=Gorys>{{cite book |title=Heiliges Land Kunst-Reiseführer (Holy Land: A culture guide) |author=Erhard Gorys |year=1996 |location=Cologne |publisher=DuMont |page=160 |isbn=3-7701-3860-0 |language=de |quote=1933 bauten die Franziskaner südlich vom Johanneskloster eine Kapelle. Es folgen eine Kirche der Syrer und eine Kapelle der Kopten. (Translation: In 1933 the Franciscans built a chapel south of the St John Monastery. The Syriacs followed with a church and the Copts with a chapel.) |url=https://www.google.com/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=E_aSVoqiC6WI8Qfn3Z7ADw&gws_rd=ssl#q=%221933+bauten+die+Franziskaner+s%C3%BCdlich%22 |access-date=11 January 2016 |archive-date=31 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160131182646/https://www.google.com/?gfe_rd=cr&ei=E_aSVoqiC6WI8Qfn3Z7ADw&gws_rd=ssl#q=%221933+bauten+die+Franziskaner+s%C3%BCdlich%22 |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2007, a documentary film entitled ''The Baptism of Jesus Christ – Uncovering Bethany Beyond the Jordan'' was made about the site.<ref>{{cite web |title=Baptism of Jesus Christ film |url=http://www.tenthousandfilms.com/Baptism-of-Christ-film.html |work=Ten Thousand Films |access-date=2011-07-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110723223716/http://www.tenthousandfilms.com/Baptism-of-Christ-film.html |archive-date=2011-07-23 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name=Watch>{{cite web |url=http://www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=34&ArticleID=30303 |title=Watch: Where Jesus was baptized |date=23 October 2015 |access-date=30 November 2015 |publisher=Catholic Sentinel Organization |archive-date=8 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208175432/http://www.catholicsentinel.org/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=34&ArticleID=30303 |url-status=dead}}</ref>

The western side attracts larger tourist interest than its Jordanian counterpart, with half a million visitors compared to some ten thousand on the Jordanian side.<ref name=River/> Other estimates put the numbers as 300,000 on the Israeli side and 100,000 on the Jordanian side.<ref name=YNet/><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.i24news.tv/en/news/culture/77411-150706-unesco-naming-of-jesus-baptism-site-settles-controversy-jordan-claims |title=World Heritage status confirms Jesus was not baptized in Israeli territory, Jordanian media reports say |access-date=2015-12-08 |archive-date=2021-04-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210426222205/https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/culture/77411-150706-unesco-naming-of-jesus-baptism-site-settles-controversy-jordan-claims |url-status=live }}</ref> To put that into perspective, Yardenit has more than 400,000 visitors per year.<ref name=BBC/>

In the [[millennium]] year 2000, [[Pope John Paul II|John Paul II]] was the first [[pope]] to visit the site.<ref name=ammonnews>{{cite news |url=http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleno=1844#.VntSmJN97fY |title=Bethany-beyond-the-Jordan Takes Centre Stage for Papal Visit |date=April 22, 2009 |work=Ammon News |location=Amman, Jordon |access-date=December 24, 2015 |archive-date=September 26, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200926205631/http://en.ammonnews.net/article.aspx?articleno=1844#.VntSmJN97fY |url-status=live }}</ref> His two successors, popes [[Pope Benedict XVI|Benedict XVI]] and [[Pope Francis]], also visited the site, as have a number of heads of state and other dignitaries.<ref name=JoTimes1/> In 2002, Christians commemorated the baptism of Christ at the site for the first time since its rediscovery. Since then, thousands of Christian pilgrims from around the world annually have marked [[Epiphany (holiday)|Epiphany]] at Bethany Beyond the Jordan.<ref name=JoTimes2/> Also in 2002, the Baptism Site opened for daily visits, attracting a constant influx of tourists and pilgrimage activity. In 2015, the [[UNESCO]] declared the Al-Maghtas site in [[Jordan]], on the east bank of the River Jordan, as a [[World Heritage Site]], while Qasr el-Yahud was left out.<ref name=YNet/>

==Features==
Archaeological excavations at the site of the 1990s have revealed religious edifices of the Roman and Byzantine periods which include "churches and chapels, a monastery, caves used by hermits and pools", which were venues of baptisms.<ref name=UNESCO/> The excavations have been supported by institutions from various countries, such as the US and Finland, and by the [[German Protestant Institute]].<ref name=Noack/>

===Tell el-Kharrar or Elijah's Hill and the baptismal pools===
The digs unearthed three churches, three baptismal pools, a circular well and an external compound encircling the hill. The existence of water supply sourced from springs and conveyed to the baptism sites through ceramic pipes was revealed;<ref name=Noack/> this facility is available even now.<ref name=Evaluation/>

===Bankside area (Zor)===
In the Zor area of the site, the finds uncovered a church with a hall with columns, a basilica church known as the Church of St. John the Baptist, and the Lower Basilica Church with marble floors having geometrical designs. Also exposed were the Upper Basilica Church, the marble steps, the four piers of the Chapel of the Mantle, the Small Chapel, the Laura of St. Mary of Egypt, and a large pool. The stairway of marble steps was built in 570 AD. Twenty-two of the steps are made of black marble. The stairway leads to the Upper Basilica and a baptismal pool. This pool had once four piers that supported the Chapel of the Mantle.<ref name=Evaluation/>

===Hermitages===
The Quattara hills revealed a number of monk caves, also known as hermit cells, which are {{Convert|300|m}} away from the Jordan River. When the caves were in use access was through a rope way or by stairway or ladders from the western and south-western sides, but none of these are seen now. Each of these caves was carved with a semicircular niche on its eastern wall. Each cave has two chambers, one for prayer and another a living space for the monks.<ref name=Evaluation/>

===Tombs===
Tombs unearthed in and outside the churches are believed to be of monks of the churches. These tombs are of the Byzantine and early Islamic periods (5th–7th centuries). Numismatics finds of coins and ceramics at the site are epigraphic proofs of the site's history.<ref name=Evaluation/>

==UNESCO involvement==
In 1994, UNESCO sponsored archaeological excavations in the area.<ref name=Evaluation/> Initially UNESCO had listed the site in the tentative list on 18 June 2001 and a new nomination was presented on 27 January 2014. [[ICOMOS]] evaluated the report presented by Jordan from 21 to 25 September 2014.<ref name=Evaluation>{{cite web |url=https://whc.unesco.org/archive/2015/whc15-39com-inf8B1-en.pdf |title=Evaluations of Nominations of Cultural and Mixed Properties to the World Heritage List: ICOMOS Report |date=August 2014 |access-date=26 November 2015 |publisher=UNESCO Organization |pages=49–50 |archive-date=21 August 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210821181501/http://whc.unesco.org/archive/2015/whc15-39com-inf8B1-en.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref> The finds are closely associated with the commemoration of the baptism. Following this evaluation, the site was inscribed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site under the title "Bethany Beyond the Jordan (Al-Maghtas)". It was inscribed as a cultural property under UNESCO Criteria (iii) and (vi).<ref name=UNESCO/><ref name=ChrPost/> The Palestinian Tourist agency deplores the UNESCO's decision to leave out the western baptismal site.<ref name=River/> During the negotiations of the UNESCO listings, the original proposal to UNESCO stated the will to expand the site in the future in cooperation with "the neighboring country".<ref name=YNet/>

==Site management==
The Baptism Site is operated by the Baptism Site Commission, an independent board of trustees appointed by [[King Abdullah II of Jordan|King Abdullah II]].<ref>[http://www.baptismsite.com/index.php/about-us.html History and Info: About us] {{Webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160114220119/http://baptismsite.com/index.php/about-us.html |date=2016-01-14 }}, accessed 10 February 2016</ref> In 2017, the Commission reported that approximately 81,000 people visited the site in 2016, a 23% increase from 2015, by mostly European, American, and Arab tourists.<ref name=no/>

==See also==
{{portal|Jordan}}
*[[Ænon]], a baptism site mentioned in the Gospel of John
*[[Baptism of Jesus]]
*[[Chronology of Jesus]]
*[[List of Christian pilgrimage sites]]
*[[List of World Heritage Sites in Jordan]]
*[[Mandaeism]]
*[[Masbuta]]
*[[Ministry of Jesus]]
*[[New Testament places associated with Jesus]]
*[[Qasr al-Yahud]], the West Bank side of al-Maghtas

==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}

==Bibliography==
{{refbegin}}
*{{cite web |author=Alliata, Eugenio |author2=de Luca, Stefano |title=Jordan: The Madaba Mosaic Map (VI century A.D.) |year=2000 |publisher=[[Studium Biblicum Franciscanum]] (SBF), posted at Franciscan Cyberspot |location=Jerusalem |url=http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/mad/ |access-date=2015-12-09 |archive-date=2016-04-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160414203937/http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/mad/ |url-status=dead}} It is an expanded version of the book:
::{{cite book |author=[[Michele Piccirillo|Piccirillo, Michele]] |author2=Alliata, Eugenio |title=The Madaba Map Centenary 1897-1997. Travelling through the Byzantine Umayyad Period. Proceedings of the International Conference Held in Amman, 7-9 April 1997. |year=1999 |publisher=Franciscan Printing Press |location=Jerusalem |series=Collectio Maior |volume=40}}
**{{cite book |author=Alliata, Eugenio |title=The Pilgrimage Route During Byzantine Period in Transjordan |year=1999 |page=122 |quote=... the construction of a new church on the more accessible west bank of the river succeeded in attracting the toponym as it appears also in the Madaba map. The new church of the "Prodromos" was built by the Emperor Anastasius (AD 491–518) as the pilgrim and archdeacon Theodosius [518–530] reports. Starting from the sixth century a major festival took place there on the feast of Epiphany (January 6). It is well described by [[Anonymous pilgrim of Piacenza|the pilgrim of Piacenza]] [570s] and, without a doubt, many people also from the eastern side of the Jordan took part in this annual event. |url=http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/mad/articles/AlliataRoutes.html |access-date=9 December 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151023071858/http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/mad/articles/AlliataRoutes.html |archive-date=23 October 2015 |url-status=dead}}
**{{cite book |author=[[Michele Piccirillo|Piccirillo, Michele]] |title=Aenon, where now is Sapsaphas - (Wadi Kharrar) |date=1999 |pages=219–220 |quote=In 1106 Abbot Daniel a Russian pilgrim was well impressed by the place.... The place was later abandoned for security reasons. However, the memory of the place was not lost;.... in the year 1400 AD.... |url=http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/mad/discussion/017discuss.html |access-date=31 July 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20031225163656/http://www.christusrex.org/www1/ofm/mad/discussion/017discuss.html |archive-date=25 December 2003 |url-status=dead}}
{{refend}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Baptism place}}
*[http://www.peaceriver-jo.com/ Official website]
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej45jLP1itw Documentary]
*[https://whc.unesco.org/archive/advisory_body_evaluation/1446.pdf UNESCO report]
*The baptism site of Jesus in Jordan. Religious and political building of a Christian pilgrimage site (PhD thesis) [https://www.academia.edu/13250830/_PhD_thesis_first_draft_The_baptism_site_of_Jesus_in_Jordan._Religious_and_political_construction_of_a_Christian_pilgrimage_site]
*[http://www.tenthousandfilms.com/ The Baptism of Christ - Uncovering Bethany beyond the Jordan - 47 min Documentary]
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20140515043842/http://www.baptismsite.com/index.php/watch-the-documentary.html The Baptism of Jesus Christ: Uncovering Bethany beyond the Jordan. Full film (Authorized by content owners.)]
*[https://acor.digitalrelab.com/index.php?s=filter=place_name:Al%20Maghtas%20(Jordan),%20Baptism%20Site%20(Jordan) Photos of Al Maghtas] at the [[American Center of Research]]

{{World Heritage Sites in Jordan}}
{{New Testament places associated with Jesus}}
{{Epiphany}}

[[Category:Populated places established in the 4th millennium BC]]
[[Category:New Testament places]]
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Jordan]]
[[Category:World Heritage Sites in Jordan]]
[[Category:Jordan River]]
[[Category:Ancient history of Jordan]]
[[Category:Geography of Jordan]]
[[Category:Baptism]]