Church of St Stephen

This perfectly preserved mosaic floor is the largest in Jordan, made in 785 AD.

Umm Ar-Rasas

Umm Ar-Rasas was first mentioned in the Bible as Mephaath. This archaeological site was declared a World Heritage site in 2004.  

The visitors come here to see the mosaics of the Church of  St Stephen as most of the site is still buried under the rubble.

Mukawer: At the top

We made it to the top and were rewarded with the view along the way. It was certainty worth the climb!

A clear view of the Dead Sea

Mukawer: walking up the hill

The walk to the top of the hill begin by going down the stairs near the car park. It slopes up around the hill and provide a fascinating view of the ravines and the Dead Sea.

A  house dug into the hill

The blue sky

The Dead Sea

Almost at the top

Mukawer or Machaerus

Mukawer was formerly known as Machaerus. Here is  where the  John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed. This 720 m hill overlooks the Dead Sea and is surrounded by deep ravines on the three sides. A fortress was first built here by the Hasmonean ruler Alexander Jannaeus in 90 BC. It was later restored by Herod the Great who built a wall around the summit with a  palace in the middle. 

John the Baptist condemned Herod Antipas for marrying his brother's wife, Herodias. When Herodias' daughter,  Salome danced for Herod Antipas on his birthday he was so  delighted that he was willing to give her half his kingdom. But she asked for the head of John the Baptist.

Memorial Church of Moses

The church was closed for renovation. A makeshift shed was used to shelter the ancient mosaic floors and exhibits. 

Mount Nebo: The View

Visitors to Mount Nebo can view the Promised Land just as Moses did.

A sign showing the direction and distance of cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho amongst others.

A modern structure representing Moses' staff

Mount Nebo

Moses saw the Promised Land here before he died. According to the Jewish and Christian belief, Moses was buried on this mountain by God himself and his final resting place is unknown. Islamic belief  holds that Moses (Musa) was buried a few km beyond the River Jordan.

Unus deus pater omnium : Ephesian 4:6

"One God and Father of all, who is above all"

Can you see the face of God?

Memorial to Moses

No one knows where Moses was buried 

Only God knows

for He was the One Who buried him

The King's Highway

The King's Highway was the route that Moses wanted to follow as he led his people north through the land of Edom, which is in southern Jordan.

The name may have derived from the earlier episode recounted in Genesis 14. An alliance of 4 kings from the north marched their troops along this route to do battle against the 5 kings of the city of Plain, including the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to rescue Lot. This may have happened 5000 years ago

Mosaic from the Greek Orthodox Church of St George

Below are some of the mosaic paintings from the church