Jericho

• Built on an oasis, Jericho was in the Roman Province of Judaea and is one of the world’s most ancient cities, dating back to 9000 BCE. It is 23 miles (37km) north of the Dead Sea and 18 miles (29km) from Jerusalem.
• When Octavian assumed power in 30 BCE, he gave Jericho back to Herod the Great.

Walls of Jericho

• In The Bible, the Book of Joshua (chapter 6: 1-27) describes how Joshua made his army walk around the walls of Jericho for six days. On the seventh day they marched seven times and when they blew their trumpets, the walls fell down.
• Although extensive Defensive Walls have been unearthed, so far none have been found that date to the period described in the Bible.

Hasmonian Palace complex

• Three Palaces were built near to Jericho because of the quantity of local springs.
• Herod built a second and third Winter Palace here, at 1000ft below sea level.
• There are two Roman Aqueducts supplying water.
• Surrounding the Palaces was a large Royal Estate which grew Palm forests for dates, and Persimmon trees for perfume and medicines.