Lands of the Bible

Setting up camp in the Sinai Desert in the 1800s. Frith, Francis (Photographer), Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

What Is the Sinai?

Well known for its role in the biblical Exodus, the Sinai Peninsula spans roughly 23,000 square miles, making it larger than the modern state of Israel.

The-coastline-of-the-Coastal-Plain-of-the-Holy-Land-at-the-archaeological-site-of-Apollonia-Arsuf.-Courtesy-Nathan-Steinmeyer

Exploring the Land of the Philistines

In the Hebrew Bible, the geographic area of the Coastal Plain is often depicted as the heartland of the Philistines, with their major city-states situated in the plain’s southern reaches.

A-boat-sailing-on-the-Sea-of-Galilee

What Is the Galilee?

The biblical region that shaped two faiths

The Via Dolorosa, the Christian processional path in Jerusalem’s Old City. Courtesy Nathan Steinmeyer.

What Is the Via Dolorosa?

According to many Christian traditions, the Via Dolorosa (Latin for the “Way of Suffering”) marks the processional route taken by Jesus of Nazareth on his way to be crucified.

hula valley at sunrise courtesy N. Steinmeyer-BAS

What Is the Hula Valley?

Today, the Hula Valley, north of the Sea of Galilee, is one of the most fertile agricultural regions in Israel. In the biblical period, however, it was better known as an important trade route.

Viewing the Negev through an archway at Avdat in the central Negev. Courtesy Nathan Steinmeyer BAS

What Is the Negev?

Home to the biblical patriarchs, and a stronghold for the kingdom of Judah, the Negev Desert boasts a rich history related to agriculture, mining, and trade.

the caves at Qumran

What Is the Judean Desert?

The Judean Desert is one of the Holy Land’s more unique and awe-inspiring regions and location of many important archaeological finds.

Looking out over the Elah Valley from on top of Tel Azekah. Courtesy Nathan Steinmeyer, BAS.

What Is the Shephelah?

The Shephelah is a transition zone between the Judean Highlands in the east—the area of Jerusalem and Hebron—and the coastal plain in the west.

SBeth-Sheans-Roman-Theater Courtesy Nathan Steinmeyer BAS

What Is Beth Shean?

Located at the convergence of the Jezreel and Jordan Valleys, Beth Shean is one of the best-preserved Roman cities in Israel.

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