The Jordan River near the traditional site of Jesus' baptism
Jordan River
Long, narrow river flowing south from Mount Hermon to the Dead Sea. Israel crossed it to enter Canaan; Jesus was baptised here.
The Jordan rises on the slopes of Mount Hermon in the far north, runs about 250 km south through the deep Jordan Valley — well below sea level — and ends in the Dead Sea. It is shallow and slow for most of its course, easily fordable in dry season but flooding in spring. Israel crossed it on dry ground to enter Canaan under Joshua; Elijah and Elisha parted it; and John the Baptist drew crowds out to be baptised in it, where Jesus himself was baptised at the start of his ministry.
“Jordan River.” Atlas. Accessed 2026. https://fcbh-atlas.vercel.app/en/place/jordan-river
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