Bethlehem. — History. In the name of this town (Arab. Bêt Lahm), which has existed for thousands of years, is perpetuated a very ancient popular tradition. In Hebrew the word means the 'place of bread', or, more generally, the 'place of food', and is probably derived from the fact that the region about Bethlehem has from very remote antiquity presented a marked contrast to the surrounding 'wilderness'. ....

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.

(1898) Route 15 page 160

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.

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.

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.

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.