39 Interesting Facts about Jericho

Dan May 1, 2023

Jericho is an ancient city in the West Bank, near the Jordan River. It is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with archaeological evidence dating back more than 11,000 years. It is a significant cultural and historical site for both Jews and Palestinians, with many religious and archaeological sites attracting visitors from around the world.

One of the most notable features of Jericho is the ancient wall that surrounds the city, which is thought to be the oldest known protective wall in the world. It is estimated to have been built around 8000 BCE and was likely constructed for defensive purposes. The wall is made of stone and mud bricks and is over 5 meters high.

Another important site in Jericho is the Tel es-Sultan archaeological site, which is believed to have been inhabited since the 9th millennium BCE. The site contains numerous ruins, including a palace, a tower, and a fortress, and is thought to have been an important trading center in ancient times.

Jericho is also known for its natural beauty and attractions, including the nearby Mount of Temptation, which is a popular destination for pilgrims and tourists. The mountain is believed to be the site where Jesus was tempted by the devil, and there is a monastery built into the cliff face that visitors can access via a cable car. The city is also home to several freshwater springs, including the Ein Sultan spring, which is the largest in the area and is believed to have healing properties.

Do you want to know more about Jericho? Let’s take a look at these 39 interesting facts about Jericho.

1. Jericho is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, with archaeological evidence dating back more than 11,000 years.
2. It is located in the West Bank, near the Jordan River.
3. The ancient city is mentioned numerous times in the Hebrew Bible.
4. The city has been destroyed and rebuilt multiple times throughout its history.
5. The famous Biblical story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho takes place in the city.
6. The city was an important trading center in ancient times, with trade routes passing through it.
7. Jericho is home to a variety of archaeological sites, including the Tel es-Sultan site and the Hisham’s Palace ruins.
8. The Jericho Cable Car is a popular tourist attraction that takes visitors up to the Mount of Temptation.
9. Jericho is known for its fertile soil and is sometimes called the “City of the Moon” due to the appearance of its surrounding hills.
10. Jericho is known for its citrus fruits, especially the “Jericho Sweetie” date fruit.
11. Jericho is considered a “hot” city, with temperatures often exceeding 100°F (38°C) during the summer months.
12. Jericho has been ruled by various groups throughout history, including the Canaanites, Israelites, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Ottomans.
13. In 1994, Jericho became the first city to be handed over to the Palestinian National Authority as part of the Oslo Accords.
14. Jericho has been the site of numerous conflicts between Israelis and Palestinians over the years.
15. The famous British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon conducted excavations at Jericho in the 1950s.
16. The ruins of a Byzantine church can be found in Jericho, which dates back to the 5th century.
17. The city is home to a variety of wildlife, including foxes, jackals, hyenas, and various species of birds.
18. The nearby Wadi Qelt valley is a popular hiking destination.
19. Jericho is home to a variety of luxury hotels and resorts.
20. Jericho is known for its traditional Palestinian embroidery, which is sold in shops throughout the city.
21. The St. George Monastery is located in Jericho and dates back to the 6th century.
22. Jericho is home to several natural springs, including the Ein es-Sultan spring, which is the largest in the area.
23. The ancient city walls of Jericho are considered to be the oldest known protective walls in the world.
24. The ancient city of Jericho was likely destroyed by an earthquake in the 8th century BCE.
25. Jericho was an important city during the Crusades.
26. Jericho was part of the Ottoman Empire for over 400 years.
27. Jericho is mentioned in the Quran as the “City of Palm Trees.”
28. The Jericho Agreements were signed in the city in 1994, paving the way for Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank.
29. The Tell es-Sultan archaeological site contains the remains of an ancient settlement that dates back to the 9th millennium BCE.
30. Jericho was an important center for the production of glass in ancient times.
31. The Hisham’s Palace ruins contain the remains of an Umayyad palace that dates back to the 8th century.
32. The nearby Dead Sea is a popular tourist attraction, known for its high salt content and therapeutic properties.
33. The city of Jericho is mentioned in ancient Egyptian texts from the 18th dynasty.
34. The city of Jericho is known for its vibrant nightlife.
35. The Tell es-Sultan site in Jericho has been continuously occupied for over 11,000 years, making it one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
36. In the Christian tradition, Jericho is known as the place where Jesus healed the blind man Bartimaeus.
37. During the Islamic conquest of Palestine in the 7th century, Jericho was one of the first cities to fall to the Muslim armies. The city became an important center of Islamic scholarship and culture, and numerous mosques and madrasas were built there.
38. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, Jericho became a popular destination for European explorers, archaeologists, and adventurers. Among the most famous visitors to the city were British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon and American president Theodore Roosevelt.
39. Today, Jericho is a major tourist destination in the West Bank, known for its historic sites, natural beauty, and warm climate. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient Jericho, visit the nearby Mount of Temptation, and relax in the city’s many resorts and spas.

Jericho is a city with a rich and varied history, spanning thousands of years and encompassing numerous cultures and traditions. From its ancient origins as a settlement on the banks of the Jordan River, to its modern-day status as a bustling tourist destination in the heart of the West Bank, Jericho has always been a place of importance and significance. Despite the challenges and conflicts that have faced the city in recent decades, it remains a symbol of resilience, perseverance, and the enduring human spirit. Whether exploring its historic ruins, marveling at its natural beauty, or engaging with its vibrant culture and community, visitors to Jericho are sure to be captivated by this fascinating and enduring city.