Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world. Archeological finds in the area, dating to 9000 BCE, have earned this desert oasis the title of the second oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. According to the book of Joshua, Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites after they crossed the Jordan River. In the division of ancient Israel the city belonged to the tribe of Benjamin.

Today Tel Jericho, in the northwest of the city, is an interesting archeological excavation with remains of walls from the early Canaanite period. Next to the Tel is Elisha’s Spring, where it is believed that the prophet Elisha turned bitter water into sweet water.

In the Roman era Mark Antony gave the city as a gift to Cleopatra of Egypt. In 30 BC, the emperor Augustus handed control of the town to Herod who made it his eastern capital and built his winter palace there. Jericho is mentioned several times in the New Testament. According to Matthew 20:29-30, Jesus healed two blind men as he and his disciples were leaving Jericho.

The city was destroyed and rebuilt many times; once during the major revolt against Rome, and also during the wars between Crusaders and Moslems. Today you have to cross an army checkpoint to enter the city and it is officially part of the Palestinian Authority.