As Pope Benedict XVI tours the Kingdom over the next few days, the country’s rich sites of Christian tradition will be placed under the spotlight, underscoring Jordan’s role as the crossroads of civilizations, religions and cultures.

One of the highlights of Pope Benedict’s visit is Mount Nebo, where the Bible says Moses first saw the Holy Land, and where some believe he died and was buried.

During his visit, the Pope is expected to bless ongoing renovations of the Moses Memorial Church, which houses intricate mosaics and dates back to the fourth century.

Also on the Pontiff’s itinerary is Bethany Beyond the Jordan on the east bank of the River Jordan, where John the Baptist baptized Jesus and preached, and also where some believe Elijah began his ascent to heaven.
Several other sites across Jordan are closely associated with Biblical legend, such as Lot’s cave in the southern Jordan Valley, where it is said Lot and his family sought refuge from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorra.

According to some experts, the archaeological sites of Baab Ad Dhraa near Ghor Mazraa and Tell Hamam by Northern Shuneh are leading candidates for the Biblical city of Sodom, which God destroyed, along with Gomorra, for residents’ acts of cruelty.

Another site with possible Biblical connections is that of Heshbon, in the modern-day village of Hesban, some 20km outside Amman.

Located at a strategic junction between the Jordan River and the King’s Highway, the town was ruled by the King of Sihon, according to the Bible. The Old Testament says he was overthrown by Moses and his followers after he refused to let them pass.

In proximity to growing attractions such as Madaba, Um Rassas and the Baptism Site, the still unheralded Heshbon not only has ties to the Old Testament, but also to important archaeological sites dating back to the Bronze Age.

Herod the Great also left his mark on east bank of the Jordan River, where ruins of the ancient spa and port town of Callirhoe are situated.
According to ancient historian Flavius Josephus, Herod the Great frequented the site's hot springs for relaxation and to treat a skin disease he reportedly suffered from.

Outlying buildings and settlements date the height of the port's use to 37-4BC.

One of the most dramatic Biblical stories took place of the hilltop of Mukawir, the Biblical Macharaes, where John the Baptist was imprisoned and executed. It is there that Salome danced for Herodus Antipus, who was so impressed with her performance that he promised her anything she wanted.

Spurred by her mother, Salome demanded the head of John the Baptist on a platter and the execution took place in the fortress overlooking the Dead Sea, some 15km outside Madaba.

Meanwhile, Jabal Haroun, one of the highest points in the rose-red city of Petra, is believed by some to be the site where Haroun, or Aaron, the brother of Moses, died and was buried.

In addition, the tomb of Job/Ayyub, a wealthy and powerful man who endured hardships to prove his loyalty to God, lies outside the city of Salt, while the grave of Jethro/Shuayb can be found in Wadi Shuayb.

In northern Jordan, is Tell Mar Elias, associated with the Biblical town of Tishbe, the birthplace and hometown of Elijah, who is revered in the three Abrahamic faiths. The hill, some eight kilometres outside Ajloun, also features the archaeological remains of a large Byzantine church and several mosaics.

In the northern village of Anjara, outside Ajloun, some believe Jesus, his disciples and Virgin Mary rested in a cave during a journey between Jerusalem and Galilee. The site’s Our Lady of the Mount Church has become a growing pilgrimage site for Christian visitors.

One of Jordan’s most important features, however, is not the archaeological remains of a town or a tomb, but a path: The King's Highway, which now runs from modern-day Madaba down to Karak, Petra and Shobak, traversed the Biblical kingdoms of Edom and Moab in ancient times.

Abraham, the precursor and central figure in Judaism, Christianity and Islam, followed the 150 kilometer road, believed to be the world's oldest continuously used communications route, which marks Jordan as the true crossroads of the Holy Land.