Overview

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan is a significant archaeological site located in the Jordan Valley of Palestine. It is an oval-shaped Tell, or mound, that contains prehistorical deposits of human activity and features a perennial spring. The site has been recognized for its importance in understanding human settlement and development during the Neolithic period.

History

According to UNESCO, Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan was already a sizeable permanent settlement by the 9th to 8th millennium BC. The site reflects the developments of this period, including the shifting of humanity to a sedentary communal lifestyle and changes in social organization and religious practices.

Architecture

The site features monumental architectural attributes such as a wall with a ditch and a tower, which were constructed by the Neolithic inhabitants. Vestiges from the Middle Bronze Age reveal the presence of a large Canaanite city-state, equipped with urban centre and technologically innovative rampart fortifications.

Location

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan is located northwest of present-day Jericho in the Jordan Valley of Palestine. The site's coordinates are 31.8713055556, 35.4440555556.

Religious Significance

Unfortunately, no specific details about the religious significance of Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan are available.

Notable Artworks and Features

The Early Bronze Age archaeological material on the site provides insights into urban planning, while vestiges from the Middle Bronze Age reveal the presence of a large Canaanite city-state. Skulls and statues found at the site testify to changes in social organization and religious practices during this period.

Heritage Status

Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed on the list in 2023. The site meets the criteria of (iii)(iv), reflecting human creativity and expression as well as testifying to an important stage in human history.

Visiting Information

Unfortunately, no specific details about visiting Ancient Jericho/Tell es-Sultan are available.