The Discovery of Bethany Beyond the Jordan River (Wadi Al- Kharrar)

Abstract

The archaeological survey and excavation of the eastern side of the Jordan River was initiated in 1996-1997 season as part of the Jordan Cultural Resources Management Project. The archaeological remains are located along the southern edge of Wadi al-Kharrar. The sites are scattered over small hills and barren terraces of marl and limestone. The work up to date has identified over 15 related sites from the Roman, and Byzantine periods. The key discoveries are the Roman remains and Byzantine monastery at al-Kharrar, ancient Bethany Beyond the Jordan River., several smaller churches, chapels, monks hermitages, caves and cells; a large Byzantine church complex adjacent to the Jordan River’ an impressive water system included ceramic pipeline bringing water to Bethany beyond Jordan; several Kilometers to the east; a large plastered pools and adjacent caravanserai halfway between the Bethany settlement and the Jordan River, a pilgrims’ rest station and caravanserai east of Bethany, on the route to Mount Nebo; and other scattered remains. Most of the sites are clustered along the south bank of the Wadi al-Kharrar perennial stream.