What do you know about the Jordan River? Where is the Jordan River on the map?

In the Middle East is the Jordan River. It is revered all over the world, because it is associated with many important historical events. The Jordan River itself begins at Mount Hermon, which is located in the northern part of the Syrian Golan Heights. Due to abundant rainfall, the reservoir is full of water.

Rain and snow fall regularly on the slopes of Hermon, and through its cracks melt and rainwater find an outlet in the form of springs.

A little bit from the title story

The Jordan River got its name many centuries ago. Most historians and scholars are still arguing about why this is what they called it. The main opinions boil down to the fact that the name comes from the Hebrew word "Yered". In translation into Russian it means "descent", "fall". This is mentioned in the source Dan.

In general, the etymology offers enough options for translating the name of the river. They all come from the Semitic languages. Most variations mean "ditch" or "noise". Some scientists are convinced that the name has Indo-European roots. This opinion is also shared by VV Ivanov. His supporters are convinced that the Indo-Iranians who once visited its source called the river.

Figures and the river

The Jordan River has a length of 252 km, and the area of its basin exceeds eighteen thousand square kilometers. It is believed that it is not navigable.

Source and channel

Asking about the location of the Jordan River, first of all they have in mind the location of its source. It is located on the Golan Heights, where the territory of Syria is now. There are three main sources: Hermon, or Banias, Lejan, or Dan, and Nahr Hasbani, or Snir.

The most impressive source is called Dan. It is believed that it is he who basically fills the river. The territory where it is located, is now the National Park of Tel Dan. Its name was largely due to this spring. And the source itself was named after one of the 12 tribes of Israel.

As soon as three springs join the river Jordan, forming a channel, it flows into Lake Hoole. Very often you can find other names, for example, Meer or Hula. Leaking further, the river flows into Genisareth Lake. It is also sometimes called the Kinnerere, the Sea of Galilee, the Kinneret or the Tiberias Lake.

Its area reaches 167 square kilometers, and the volume exceeds four billion cubic meters. The lake itself is quite interesting. Its water is considered suitable for drinking, however its taste is somewhat brackish. The lake itself was located about 213 m below sea level.

The next water area on the river's path is the Dead Sea.

Tributaries

Asking about the location of the Jordan River, the diversity of its tributaries is often also in mind. The largest of them are Yabbok and Yarmuk, which flow from the eastern shore, as well as Kharod - from the western shore.

The Jordan River Israel feeds and pours. It was always the main artery of the country. Once upon a time its basin was distinguished by its impressive vegetation, and was also rich in fauna. Now, unfortunately, the East has become a desert. Once a rich area of the pool includes only groves of reeds, there are rarely eucalyptuses and date palms.

In the hottest months of the year, all the vegetation dries up under the scorching rays of the sun. However, in spite of everything, the Jordan River is extremely important for the entire Middle East.

The Sacred River

For every believer, the place where the Jordan River carries its waters is sacred. The baptism of Jesus Christ, according to legend, happened here, although not all historical sources agree with this statement.

The river itself is regularly mentioned in the Old and New Testaments. The Torah is often a miraculous place where the Jordan River flows. The baptism of Jesus occurred on its shore, and the story says that John the Baptist acted as a baptizer. The event itself happened near the city of Jericho.

Where the Jordan River flows, you can constantly meet with numerous pilgrims. People believe that water contains a miracle force, so they come from all over the world. Here they carry out the procedure of ablution.

History and politics

It should be understood that the Jordan River, a photo of which can be found below, plays an important role in the Middle East. Its value also lies in historical and geopolitical meanings. That is why the desire to seize the right to own its waters often led to numerous conflicts, which sometimes turned into full-fledged wars.

The first mention of the Jordan River was recorded as early as the thirteenth century BC. This document was papyrus Anastasi. Also, she paid special attention to the ancient Roman historian Tacitus. He specified that the Jordan River is extremely important, and her father is Mount Hermon.

In ancient times, the river often represented a kind of natural boundary of Canaan in the east. Somewhat later, such states of the Tsar of Bashan were formed as the kingdoms of Og and Sihon. And then the river began to represent a kind of border between them. After a while, the territory was given to the tribe of Menashe, Reuven and Gad. Thus, the river began to represent not only an interstate, but also a tribal border.

The story goes that the Israeli tribes got territory from both sides of the river. However, all bridges and possible crossings through it were important places, which often had military significance. Their capture often became decisive in the battle. It was in this way that Gidon defeated the Midianites, Ehud - over the king of Moab, Iftah - over the tribe of Ephraim.

Until now, many sources have come down, in which the Jordan is mentioned. One of these was the Mosaic map. It was created in the far sixth century. It is an image of the river itself, the ferry, the city and numerous details. Now you can see it in Madaba.

Archeology

Interestingly, the Jordan River was not always considered the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ. Previously, this was Eisaria, which is located nearby. However, archaeological sources denied this. It is specified that through the Eisaria Jesus crossed over and went to the place where the baptismal ceremony was held.

He was mentioned also in numerous works written by pilgrims traveling to Holy places. It was a long time when the Byzantine Empire was in its prime. In all sources a Greek column and a cross on its top are mentioned. It is she who represents the place where Jesus Christ was baptized. This symbol was established during early Christianity.

However, the place itself was not discovered immediately. This required numerous archaeological studies. It should be remembered that the river Jordan in the fifth century changed its course somewhat. It happened at the confluence of the Dead Sea. Scientists discovered the place of baptism many years later.

The base of the column was also found. It was located near the eastern bank of the river at a distance of about 40 meters, which fully corresponds to the historical sources and writings of pilgrims.

Also here were found the remains of three churches. All of them were erected on the site of the baptism of Jesus Christ in the fifth and sixth centuries. Constructed them emperor named Anastasi. All the churches received their name in honor of John the Baptist.

Tips for tourists

Tourists come to the Jordan River not only for pilgrimage purposes. Very often they are guided by simple interest. If you want, you can ride a kayak on a stormy river. This entertainment can not be called the cheapest, but it will give a lot of vivid emotions.

On the Jordan you can meet wild ducks and refined swans. They are absolutely not afraid of people, so you can feed them or take a picture for memory. In addition, if you visit the banks of the Jordan, you can enjoy amazing scenic views, as well as a variety of cypress groves. The exception is the hottest months of the year.