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Riders from Jerusalem to Jericho take 6 hrs., the Jordan, I 1/2hr., the Dead Sea, 1 hr. 20 min., Mâr Sâbâ, 5 hrs., Jerusalem, 3 hrs. (or to Bethlehem, about 2 3/4 hrs.)- — Carriage Road from Jerusalem to Jericho (carr. in 5 hrs.)- Driving is practicable also to the Jordan and the Dead Sea, except in wet weather when the final stage becomes too soft. In this case, donkeys may be hired at Jericho. A Carriage for the whole trip costs 50-60 fr. — A small Steamer, belonging to the government, has recently been placed on the Dead Sea. — A visit to Mâr Sâbâ is possible for riders only (horse or donkey). Those who prefer to drive to Jericho should therefore combine the visit to Mâr Sâbâ with that to Bethlehem. — For this excursion the traveller must be provided with a guide from Abu Dîs. The right of escorting travellers is in the hands of the shêkh of this village. It is customary to pay the shêkh 1 mejîdi per day and to give the guide himself, if well- conducted, ½ - 1 mej. at the end of the journey. A letter of introduction for Mâr Sâbâ should be procured with the aid of the hotel-keeper, or consul, from the great Greek monastery at Jerusalem, as otherwise the traveller will not he admitted. — A Dragoman may be dispensed with on this tour by male travellers, as there is good accommodation at Jericho. The dragomans often make exorbitant demands, but one may generally be hired at a rate of 60 fr. for each of a party of several persons (on horse back) for the three days, unless tents are to be taken. — The circuit may be made in either direction. Owing to the heat of the climate in the valley of the Jordan, the excursion should be made as early in spring, or as late in autumn as possible. Travellers should not forget to take drinking water with them when visiting the Dead Sea.

  1. From Jerusalem to Jericho (6 hrs.). 

To Gethtemane, see p. 86. The road gradually ascends opposite the city to the top of the Bain el-Haw^, which commands a fine view of Jerusalem, and then bends to the E. Near this point the spot is shown (but only since the 15th cent.) where Judas is said to have hanged himself. The road skirts the S. slope of the Mount of Olives, passing the new slaughter-house. Here is shown the site of the fig-tree (Matt. xxi. 19) which was cursed by Christ.

In 40 min. after leaving Jerusalem we reach — Bethany. —

Jericho

History. The ancient Jericho lay by the springs at the foot of the hill of Karantel, that is to the W. of modern Jericho, and to the N. of the Jericho of the Roman period. The Israelitish town (Josh, v, vi) at first belonged to the tribe of Benjamin, afterwards to the kingdom of Israel. The town was of considerable size and enclosed by walls, and the vegetation was very rich. It is sometimes called the 'city of palms', and down to the 7th cent, of our era date-palms were common, though they have now almost entirely disappeared.

From Jericho to the Ford of Jordan

The plain of Jericho presents several points of interest; but those who intend making the journey from Jericho to the ford of Jordan, the Dead Sea, and Mâr Sâbâ in a single day will have little time for digressions.

From the Dead Sea to Mâr Sâbâ

The road follows the bank of the sea. After 18 min, we leave the 'Ain el-Jehayyir to the left; it contains pretty little fish (Cyprinodon Sophiae), but its brackish water should not be drunk except in case of necessity. We then leave the sea and ascend the Wâdi ed- Dabr, deeply eroded by its brook, and partly overgrown with under wood, where game is said to abound (partridges, wild pigeons, hares, etc.). After 35 min. we enjoy a line view of the Jordan valley and the Dead Sea. The route then leads to the left, skirting a deep ravine, and affording several other points of view.

Mâr Sâbâ

(1898) Route 15 page 160

From Mâr Sâbâ to Bethlehem

From Mâr Sâbâ to Bethlehem, 2 hrs. 50 min. A tolerable path ascends to the N. from the upper tower of the monastery, affording several fine retrospects of the Dead Sea and the wild mountain-scenery. After 25 min. the monastery-tower disappears. In spring all these heights are covered with good pastures. Far below, in the Wâdi en-Nâr, are seen the huts of the natives who live under the protection of the monastery. After 10 min. the Mt. of Olives comes in sight on the right. (A path with finer views diverges here to the N.

Bethany

Bethany. — The Arabic name is El-Azarîyeh, from Lazarus, or Lazarium, the Arabs having taken the L for an article. Bethany was a favourite resort of Jesus, who had friends here (John xi). At a very early period churches and monasteries were erected here, and spots of traditionary interest pointed out to pilgrims. The Roman lady Paula visited a church on the site of Lazarus' grave. In 1138 Milicent, wife of Fulke, fourth king of Jerusalem (p. 86), founded a nunnery by the church of St. Lazarus, and in 1159 the building came into the possession of the Hospitallers.

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