Jericho City - Oldest City In The World

The city which is located on the western side of Palestine is claimed to be the oldest city in the world. Its interesting location which is surrounded by spring water has become the main attraction for mankind for thousands of years. In fact, archaeologists have found 20 layers that record the history of placement as far as 10,000 years!

ADVERT

Origins of Jericho City

This ancient city has been recorded in the Bible as how God ordered the leader of the Israel race, Joshua to destroy the city of Jericho since the people were not obedient to god. This story occurred in 8000 BC when the Natufian phase happens to make Jericho the oldest human building in the world.

The Jericho war took place and Joshua uses the Tabut As-Sakinah as a weapon with the will of God. The weapon inside the Tabut was said to be capable of destroying the whole city in just 7 days. After Jericho city was demolished, Joshua cursed the City of Jericho so that it cannot be rebuilt again.

Illustration of Israel tribe carrying Tabut As-Sakinah to destroy Jericho city

However, to this day, many attempts have been made to get Jericho city back from the ground. Jericho city has a very strong defense system and can keep its food supply for many months to come in case something bad happens. But based on the bible, Joshua managed to destroy the city in just 7 days.

ADVERT

Many speculate on how Joshua managed to destroy a city that is so strong by using an unknown weapon inside the Tabut. According to the ancient astronomy theory, they believed that Joshua uses a real weapon created by the alien to succeed in the mission of destroying Jericho city.

Despite everything that has been said, the true weapon that has been used remained a mystery.

The Initiative Towards Finding Jericho City

The story of Jericho city has gotten the attention of many archaeologists since its first discovery in 1868. Excavation activities took place which were sponsored by the Palestine Exploration Fund and it definitely paid off when one archaeologist, Charly Warren found what's called 'Tell es-Sultan' in that area.

He believed what was found in that location was the real Jericho city. The place was located nearby Elisha's Spring which is in accord with what has been stated in the bible.

Jericho excavation site in 2008

The excavation campaign found several walls which became the main topic to be discussed in confirming whether it is the wall of the city of Jericho as well as to understand the story behind the war between the Israel race led by Joshua with Jericho's army.

There has also been proof left behind of the remnants of the buildings in the excavation location. It was the effect left by the attack and the city on fire which was estimated to have happened between 1550 BC and 1400 BC.

ADVERT

In the 1950s, the excavation project led by Kathleen Kenyon found 17 walls that were believed to exist during the Bronze Age. The walls show signs of damage due to earthquakes and other parts of the wall were attacked by the nomads.

A part of Jericho tower found

According to the archaeologists and historians, in the Bible called Willem Boshoff, the discovery of Kenyon does not correlate with the Jericho city that was stated in the Bible. 

Kenyon also found a stone wall as high as 8.5 meters in height which was built in 8000 BC. This makes the tower to be the oldest stone building in the world.

Now the city is more than 10,000 years old and can be visited by anyone who stops by the West Bank passing through from Ramallah. This ancient placement is 21 meters above sea level and you can also enjoy the mesmerizing view around Jericho city. 

Mount of Temptation is another place that tourists should go to since it is considered a historic place, especially for Muslims.

Source:

• Black, John. 16 March 2022. The Ancient City of Jericho: The Oldest City in the World. Ancient Origins.

Also read: Thames Tunnel - First Tunnel Built Under River