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Jordan Valley Spring

February 29, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Just yesterday I drove from Jerusalem to the Sea of Galilee via the Jordan Valley. The southern part of the valley is desert, but even there the evidence of the winter rains were obvious.

Alongside the road

As we drove further north it became breath taking. The wild grasses were standing high and thick, and the flowers were coming out in their full glory.

I love this drive through the Jordan Valley at this time of the year, especially when we have had good winters, as we have had this year. And we are not finished. The day we drove there, was one of the brilliant pre-spring days, between heavy bouts of storm and rain. We were so lucky.

Of course we had to stop and enjoy the sight and take picture. And of course I have to share it with you.

 

 

 

 

 

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Beit Shean (Scythopolis) – A Gem

February 16, 2010 By 1 Comment

Overlooking excavations toward Tel Beit Shean

Beit Shean is located in the Jordan Valley, some 30 km south of the Sea of Galilee. It is considered one of the oldest towns of Israel. Archaeological excavations have revealed that the first human settlement took place in the Calcholitic period (4th millennium BCE). But it is most famous as the Roman city Scythopolis.

Origins and Name
As with many other ancient towns it was travel routes that determined location. Beit Shean is situated on the cross roads of the north-south route through the Jordan Valley and the eastern entrance to the Jezreel Valley at a point, where there is easy crossing over the Jordan River. It could therefore serve as a stop on the trading routes, as well as a buffer town and defense of the Jezreel Valley, the largest and most fertile valley in Israel. [Read more...]

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