Jericho

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Jericho is a city in the Palestinian Autonomous Territories on the west bank of the Jordan River. It is situated in the Jordan Trench, making it the lowest city in the world, with its center approximately 250 meters below sea level.

Geography and Climate

The city is located about seven kilometers west of the border with Jordan and about ten kilometers north of the Dead Sea. Jericho's name is derived from the moon god Jarich, and it lies on an old trade or caravan road.

History

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### Neolithic Period

The first traces of settlement near the present city date back to the 10th millennium BC. During the Preceramic Neolithic B (PPNB), agriculture and livestock breeding were practiced in the area. The first city walls were occupied about 2000 years after the first settlement.

### Ancient Jericho

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Jericho has a rich history dating back to the VIII millennium BC. The ruins of ancient Jericho lie west of the center of the modern city and include a powerful tower (height 8 m) of the pre-ceramic Neolithic A (8400-7300 BC), burials of the Chalcolithic period, and city walls of the Bronze Age.

### Modern Era

Today, Jericho is the capital of Jericho Province, with a population of approximately 22,000. It has been mentioned many times in the Bible, where it is also called the “city of palm trees” (Ir ha-Tmarim). In September 2023, UNESCO listed the ruins of the Palestinian city of Jericho as World Heritage Sites.

Attractions

The modern city of Jericho offers a glimpse into its rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins, which include the remains of the pre-ceramic Neolithic A tower, Chalcolithic burials, and Bronze Age city walls.

Demographics

As of 2006, the population of Jericho was approximately 20,416. The current population is estimated to be around 22,000.