The Discovery of Gharabaa Byzantine Caravanserai, Near Site of Jesus Baptism-Jordan River

Abstract

Field archaeological survey in Jordan Valley on the eastern bank of Jordan River recovered architecturalByzantine remains of Gharabah caravansaries, close to site of Jesus Baptism along the historical pilgrim's route from Jerusalem to Mount Nebo. The main objective of this article is to shed light on the importance of the recovered architectural remains& to link the site with other newly discovered stations along the pilgrims route from Bethany Beyond the Jordan to major Byzantine sitessuch assite of Jesus baptism. By systematic excavations, data analysis and comparative studies the work concluded in revealing two large water pools connected to each other by a long canal, and a major structure consists of a number of rooms and otherassociated facilities The discovery of Gharabah caravansaries considered as a progress step toward identification of lost pilgrims stations during the Byzantine Period from 4 th -6 th AD.