Jericho is Said To Be The Oldest & Lowest Settlement On Earth

While many folks will remember Jericho from the Sunday School stories of the Bible. It is the site of the stories of where harlot, Rahab, hid the Israelite spies, and then the Israelites conquered the city after the walls collapsed (after the Israelites marched around them lots of times).

But Jericho is a fascinating city, it is located in the Jordan Valley east of Jerusalem and is claimed to be the oldest (and lowest) city in the world. It is a stone's throw from the Dead Sea - the deepest place on earth that is also disappearing.

What Makes Jericho Special and Unique

Not only are there claims that Jericho is the oldest city on earth, but it is also the city with the oldest known protective wall. Archaeological digs have unearthed an impressive 20 successive settlements in Jericho with the first dating back to an astonishing 11,000 years (that's almost the very beginning of the Holocene epoch).

• Oldest: Oldest Known Protective Wall, Also Claimed To Be the Oldest City
• Population: Around 18,000
• Age: Dates From Around 9,000 BC

By around 2,900 BC Jericho had become a significant trading post for those making their way through the Jordan Valley. Some things just never change, then as now it is famous dates and citrus fruit.

One of the main ancient draws for people populating this site has been the number of springs in and around the city. In the Bible, it is even termed the "city of palm trees."

Jericho is a great example of that there is more than meets the eye. For first-timers arriving it doesn't look like much today, but it is full of history that very few other cities can lay claim.

Jericho is a site that sheds light on the Neolithic Age and is a pilgrimage site for Christians and history buffs alike.

Jericho is near the Dead Sea - the lowest point on earth (that's getting about a meter lower every year). The Dead Sea was one of the world's first health resorts and plan around enjoying some ancient healing remedies here too!

Getting To Jericho And Complications

Today Jericho is a Palestinian city located in the West Bank governed by the Palestinian National Authority.

While visiting Jericho is rewarding, it is not so straightforward and simple. It is only a short drive from Jerusalem but there are no direct buses and one will be subject to a number of security checkpoints. There are buses from Ramallah (a Palestinian city in the West Bank just north of Jerusalem), but still, several changes are required.

• Tip: If Going To Jericho Take One's Passport (It's In The West Bank)

Note: Israelis and Israelis Passport Holders Are Not Permitted to Enter Jericho As It is Part of The Palestinian Territories

If one is planning to visit, it is prudent to check on the latest information and travel advice.

The easiest way to visit Jericho and the surrounding area is with an organized guided tour. Not only will one not have to worry about security checkpoints etc. but the guide will provide a meaningful deep dive into this historic city's long and checkered past.

Bethlehem and Jericho Day Tour

This guided tour takes visitors to both Bethlehem (where Jesus is said to have been born) and Jericho. The tour is offered in English, French, Spanish, and German and includes entrance fees.

One will start the day in the oldest and lowest city in the world (Jericho) where one will see its ancient ruins and Mount Temptation. Afterward, head over to the town of Bethlehem and see some of the core sites of Christianity (like the Church of the Nativity - where Jesus is said to have been born).

• Starting Location: Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Netanya & Herzliya
• Days: Every Monday, Wednesday & Saturday
• Cost: From $125.00 Per Person

Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour

Another option is the Bethlehem, Jericho, and Jordan River Tour, it is similar to the one above and also offers an expert tour guide (in English only). This visits three of the region's most interesting destinations.

The day starts with a glimpse at the new Bethlehem before touring the Church of Nativity and then a short walk through the streets of the old city to the Milk Grotto. Leaving Bethlehem one travels down to Jericho and rides the cable car to enjoy the views of the oasis.

There is a guided tour of the Mount of Temptations monastery and an opportunity to sample the local dates for which Jericho has been famous for 10,000 years.

After Jericho, continue one to the Qasr al Yahud Baptismal Site where tradition has it Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

• Starting Location: Tel Aviv & Jerusalem
• Days: Every Wednesday & Saturday
• Cost: From $89.00 Per Person

Next: What To Know About Floating In The Dead Sea, Including How & Why It Works