Segment of the wall surrounding Jericho provides proof of biblical account

Jericho's History Goes Back Longer Than Any Other Inhabited City

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The Judean Staff
Archaeology

UNESCO’s 2023 decision to designate Jericho as a World Heritage site stands as an enduring testament to the city’s unmatched significance in human history, archaeology, and cultural heritage. This recognition not only highlights Jericho’s standing as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city but also celebrates its role as a cradle of civilization, where early humans transitioned from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to settled agricultural communities. And while the designation angered many in Israel as UNESCO gave that honor to Palestine, when a pivotal moment in Jewish history occurred when Joshua fell the walls over 3000 years ago, the city and its history predate even Abraham in Canaan by thousands of years. 

Located in the heart of the Judean Desert, Jericho, specifically the ancient site known as Tel es-Sultan, is more than just a city with 11,000 years of continuous history. It’s a vibrant narrative of humanity's earliest attempts at community living, agriculture, and even monumental construction. The city's story dates back to approximately 9000 BCE, when the Natufian culture—hunter-gatherers who first ventured into settled life—arrived and built homes along the banks of the Jordan River. Their choice of location was strategic, taking full advantage of the fertile resources provided by the Ein as-Sultan spring and the nourishing waters of the Jordan.

The Natufians' innovation marked a defining moment in the human journey. They pioneered sedentism, transitioning from mobile societies to permanent settlements, and in doing so, laid the foundation for future urban life. This shift allowed for the development of essential tools and domestic items, enabling the creation of societies where food production, storage, and community protection became cornerstones of daily life.

Jericho’s ancient inhabitants were also ahead of their time in terms of engineering and defense. Around 8000 BCE, they constructed substantial fortifications, including a remarkable 3.5-meter-high stone wall encircling the settlement, and a circular stone tower rising to an impressive nine meters. This tower, now known as the Tower of Jericho, stands as one of humanity’s earliest examples of architectural ingenuity, embodying both the protective instincts and the advanced technical knowledge of these ancient people. The walls served not only as defense structures but also as mechanisms to manage the unpredictable floodwaters from nearby springs—a dual purpose that demonstrates the foresight and adaptability of Jericho’s early societies.

Excavations in the 1950s by British archaeologist Kathleen Kenyon uncovered layers of this fascinating past, revealing the sophistication and resilience of Jericho’s inhabitants. Alongside the imposing Tower of Jericho, Kenyon discovered intricate artifacts, including ceramic vessels inscribed with prehistoric markings. These early ceramics, used for cooking and food preservation, highlight Jericho’s contribution to early food technologies and offer us a glimpse into the everyday lives of a civilization far more advanced than its contemporaries.

One of the most captivating discoveries, however, lies in Jericho’s expressions of spirituality and connection to the afterlife. Excavations unearthed skulls plastered with gypsum, with seashells carefully placed in the eye sockets. This practice hints at a profound respect for ancestors and suggests an early form of ancestor worship, underscoring the city's cultural sophistication and spiritual richness at a time when many societies were still nomadic.

Today, Tel es-Sultan, located in Jericho’s historical core, remains a beacon for those fascinated by antiquity and humanity’s early strides in civilization. Its ruins, with vestiges of prehistoric houses and successive layers of human settlement, attract archaeologists, historians, and tourists eager to connect with the origins of human society. Nearby, the Spring of Elisha, or Ein as-Sultan, is a picturesque reminder of Jericho’s eternal allure. Known as the “Fountain of Elisha,” it is adorned with an inscription proclaiming Jericho as the “Oldest City in the World.” This landmark draws thousands each year, captivating visitors with its natural beauty and the weight of its history.

Beyond its ancient past, Jericho holds gems from later eras as well, including the Hisham Palace, a grand structure from the Umayyad Caliphate (circa 743-744 CE). This palace, adorned with ornate mosaics and elaborate stucco designs inspired by Roman baths, stands as a symbol of early Islamic art and architecture. Its mosaics have withstood the tests of time, showcasing scenes of animals, floral patterns, and geometric designs that convey the sophistication of Islamic civilization in its early stages. Select artifacts from Hisham Palace, preserved at Jerusalem’s Rockefeller Museum, allow the legacy of Jericho’s grandeur to reach beyond the city’s borders.

For those drawn by spiritual allure, Jericho offers the Mount of Temptation, where, according to biblical tradition, Jesus fasted for 40 days and resisted the devil’s temptations. Standing atop this mountain, visitors are immersed in the serene landscape of the Judean Desert, feeling a connection to the ancient tales and sacred events that have shaped religious beliefs for centuries. The Mount of Temptation not only offers breathtaking views of the desert expanse but also invites contemplation and reverence.

Jericho’s preservation efforts today ensure that these remarkable structures and artifacts continue to narrate the city’s story. From its earliest walls to the religious significance of its desert landscapes, Jericho provides an unparalleled journey through the milestones of human civilization. Whether exploring the ancient engineering feats at Tel es-Sultan, marveling at the artistry of Hisham Palace, or reflecting at the Spring of Elisha, visitors to Jericho are immersed in a city where each layer of earth reveals another chapter in humanity’s epic narrative.

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The Judean is a weekly digital blog highlighting Israel's vibrant Democracy, rich culture, and complex history. Through compelling op-eds, select news stories, our celebrated Explainers and featured articles about history, archaeology and culture, The Judean brings the real Israel into focus. 'From The River To The Sea' Israel is truly free.
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