Questions and Answers
What material did the early people at Jericho use for making vessels?
What was a significant construction feature of the settlement at Jericho?
What was one of the theories about the purpose of the stone wall around Jericho?
What type of stone were the inhabitants of Jericho trading for?
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How did the growth of the settlement at Jericho compare to its construction features?
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What does the Arabic name Ārīḥā mean?
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In which era did the first settlement at Jericho occur?
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What kind of structures were discovered in the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A levels at Jericho?
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What significant discovery related to Joshua has yet to be found at Jericho?
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What geological formation is created by layers of human habitation at Jericho?
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When did serious archaeological exploration of Jericho begin?
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Which period had the earliest identified visitors to Jericho who left remains?
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What drew its first visitors to Jericho around 10,000 to 9,000 B.C.E.?
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Study Notes
Jericho: A Historical Overview
- Jericho, located north of the Dead Sea and west of the Jordan River, is among the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally.
- Its Arabic name, Ārīḥā, translates to "fragrant," signifying its natural oasis status in a desert, enriched with numerous freshwater springs.
- Human presence in Jericho dates back to between 10,000 and 9,000 B.C.E., with descendants still residing in the area today.
Biblical Significance
- Jericho is prominently mentioned in the Bible, attracting pilgrims and explorers since the 4th century C.E.
- Serious archaeological investigations of the site began in the late 19th century.
- Archaeologists seek evidence of Joshua, a biblical figure known for leading the Israelites to victory over the Canaanites, particularly the event where city walls fell as described in Joshua 6:1–27.
- Although definitive evidence of Joshua has not been discovered, archaeological findings indicate over 12,000 years of human activity in Jericho.
Archaeological Findings
- The site features a Tell, which is a mound formed by successive layers of human occupation.
- The earliest remnants found date to the Mesolithic period, but the first substantial settlement appeared during the early Neolithic era near the Ein as-Sultan spring.
- The Pre-Pottery Neolithic A levels revealed large circular homes constructed with mud brick, characterized by domed roofs.
- Inhabitants did not yet know pottery but created stone vessels, wove cloth, and traded obsidian from distant regions like Çiftlik in eastern Turkey.
Fortifications and Settlement Growth
- A significant stone wall and an outer ditch encircled the settlement, along with a formidable stone tower nearly eight meters tall.
- The purpose of these fortifications is debated, with theories including military defense, deterring animal predators, or managing rising ground levels around the settlement.
- The walls built by the early inhabitants laid the groundwork for the later biblical narrative involving Joshua's conquest approximately 6,000 years later.
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Description
This quiz explores the rich history of Jericho, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. Learn about its significance in the Bible, archaeological findings, and its early human presence dating back thousands of years. Discover why Jericho is a vital site for both historical and religious studies.
