In the Middle East is the Jordan River. She is revered throughout the world, because many important historical events are connected with her. The Jordan River itself begins at Mount Hermon, which is located in the northern part of the Syrian Golan Heights. Due to the abundant rainfall, the fullness of the reservoir is ensured.
Rain and snow fall regularly on the slopes of Hermon, and through its cracks melt and rainwater find their way out in the form of springs.
A bit of title history
The Jordan River got its name many centuries ago. Most historians and scholars still argue about why they called it that. The main opinions boil down to the fact that the name comes from the Hebrew word "Jered". Translated into Russian, it means “descent”, “fall”. This is mentioned in the source Dan.
In general, etymology offers enough options for translating the name of the river. All of them come from Semitic languages. Most variations mean “ditch” or “noise”. Some scholars are convinced that the name has Indo-European roots. This opinion is shared by V.V. Ivanov. Its supporters are convinced that the Indo-Iranians, who once visited its source, called the river.
Figures and river
The Jordan River has a length of 252 km, and its basin area exceeds eighteen thousand square kilometers. It is believed that it is non-navigable.
Source and channel
When wondering where the Jordan River is located, they primarily mean the location of its source. It is located on the Golan Heights, where Syria is now. Three main sources can be distinguished: Hermon, or Banias, Lejan, or Dan, and Nahr Hasbani, or Snir.
The most impressive source is called Dan. It is believed that it is he who basically fills the river. The territory where it is located is now Tel Dan National Park. It got its name largely due to this spring. And the source itself began to be named after one of the 12 tribes of Israel.
As soon as three springs join the Jordan River, forming a channel, it flows into Lake Hule. Very often you can find other names, for example, Meer or Hula. Flowing further, the river flows into Lake Genisaret. It is also sometimes called the Kinneref, the Sea of Galilee, the Kinneret or Tiberias Lake.
Its area reaches 167 square kilometers, and the volume exceeds four billion cubic meters. The lake itself is quite interesting. Its water is considered suitable for drinking, but its taste is somewhat brackish. The lake itself is located about 213 meters below sea level.
The next body of water on the river’s path is the Dead Sea.
Tributaries
Asking the question of where the Jordan River is located, often refers to the diversity of its tributaries. The largest of them are called Yabbok and Yarmouk, which flow from the east coast, and Harod - from the west.
The Jordan River Israel feeds and watered. She has always been the main artery of the country. Once its pool was distinguished by impressive vegetation, and was also rich in fauna. Now, unfortunately, the East has become a desert. The once rich pool area includes exclusively reed groves; eucalyptus and date palm trees are less common.
In the hottest months of the year, all vegetation dries under the scorching sun. However, in spite of everything, the Jordan River is extremely important for the entire Middle East.
Holy river
For every believer, the place where the Jordan River carries its waters is sacred. The baptism of Jesus Christ, according to legend, occurred here, although not all historical sources agree with this statement.
The river itself is regularly mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. The Torah is often a miraculous place where the Jordan River flows. The baptism of Jesus took place on its shore, and history says that John the Baptist was the baptist. The event itself happened near the city of Jericho.
Where the Jordan River flows, you can constantly meet many pilgrims. People believe that the waters conceal a miraculous power, so they come from all over the world. Here they carry out the ablution procedure.
History and Politics
It should be understood that the Jordan River, whose photo can be found below, plays an important role in the Middle East. Its value also lies in historical and geopolitical meanings. That is why the desire to seize the right to possess its waters often led to numerous conflicts, which sometimes developed into full-fledged wars.
The first mention of the Jordan River was recorded in the thirteenth century BC. This document was Anastasi papyrus. Also, special attention was paid to her by the ancient Roman historian Tacitus. He specified that the Jordan River is extremely important, and her father is Mount Hermon.
In ancient times, the river often represented a peculiar natural border of Canaan in the east. A little later, such states of the king of Bashan were formed, such as the kingdoms of Og and Sihon. And then the river began to represent a kind of border between them. After some time, the territory was given to the tribe of Menashe, Reuven and Gad. Thus, the river began to represent not only the interstate, but also the tribal border.
The story goes that the Israeli tribes gained territory on both sides of the river. However, all the bridges and possible crossings over it were important places that often had military significance. Their capture often became decisive in battle. In this way Gidon defeated the Midianites, Ehud - over the king of Moab, Iftah - over the tribe of Ephraim.
Many sources have survived to this day, in which the Jordan is mentioned. One of these was the Mosaic map. It was created in the distant sixth century. It is an image of the river itself, the ferry, the city and numerous details. Now you can see her in Madaba.
Archeology
Interestingly, the Jordan River was not always considered the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Previously, this was Eisaria, which is located nearby. However, archaeological sources have denied this. It is specified that through Eisaria Jesus crossed and went to the place where the baptismal rite passed.
He was also mentioned in numerous works written by pilgrims traveling around the Holy Places. This was a distant time when the Byzantine Empire was in its prime. All sources mention the Greek column and the cross at its top. It is she who designates the place where Jesus Christ was baptized. This symbol was established during early Christianity.
However, the place itself was not discovered immediately. This required numerous archaeological research. It should be remembered that the Jordan River in the fifth century somewhat changed its course. It happened at the confluence of the Dead Sea. Scientists discovered the place of baptism many years later.
The base of the column was also found. It was located near the eastern bank of the river at a distance of about 40 meters, which is fully consistent with historical sources and works of pilgrims.
Also, the remains of three churches were discovered here. All of them were erected at the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the fifth and sixth centuries. Built them by an emperor named Anastasi. All churches got their name in honor of John the Baptist.
Travel Tips
Tourists come to the Jordan River not only for pilgrimage. Very often they are driven by simple interest. If you wish, you can ride a kayak on a stormy river. This entertainment cannot be called the cheapest, but it will give a lot of vivid emotions.
On the Jordan you can meet wild ducks and sophisticated swans. They are not at all afraid of people, so you can feed them or take pictures for memory. In addition, if you visit the shores of the Jordan, you can enjoy amazing picturesque views, as well as a variety of cypress groves. The exception is the hottest months of the year.