Jordan: Ancient Copper Mines

Feinan – in fact, the Punon of the Bible — was one of the stopping places of the Israelites on their way to the Promised Land. (Numbers 33:42) Mines in this area were in use from about 4000 BC to 650 AD. Surely there is a mine for silver…and copper...

Jordan: Herod’s Calling Card

Here’s a little calling card that says “Herod was here.” If you’ve seen pictures of the Herodion, they look very similar. This is Machaerus, a fortress Herod inherited from the Hasmoneans and fortified to his own satisfaction. (Yes,...

Jordan: “Pompeii of the Middle East”

Unlike Pompeii, Jerash/Gerasa was never destroyed by a volcano. This famously well-preserved Decapolis city appears in the Gospels in connection with Jesus’ healing of two demoniacs who were living in tombs, somewhere within the broader region. Its monumental...