Tell es-Sultan in Jericho: Walking Through the World’s Oldest City

When you travel through the Holy Land, it’s easy to get swept up by the world-famous sites Jerusalem with its sacred walls, Bethlehem with its ancient churches, or Nazareth with its timeless stories . Yet in the Jordan Valley lies a place just as extraordinary, though often overlooked: Tell es-Sultan in Jericho .

This ancient mound is not just a tourist stop . It is a place where history, archaeology, and faith converge  a site where you can literally stand on the remains of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. More than 10,000 years of human history are preserved here, waiting to be explored . 

🌍 A Journey Back to the Dawn of Civilization

As you walk up the dusty paths of Tell es-Sultan, you are not just climbing a hill  you are walking across layers of time. Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of human settlement here as far back as 9000 BCE, which means Jericho existed thousands of years before the pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge in England, or the Great Wall of China .

What makes Tell es-Sultan unique is that it shows us the transition of humanity from a nomadic life to permanent settlement. Early people built mud-brick houses, developed agriculture, and dug irrigation systems to water their crops . This was one of the very first communities to say: “Here, we will stay .”

The jewel of the site is the Tower of Jericho, an 8.5-meter-high stone structure built around 8000 BCE . To put that in perspective, this tower was standing centuries before writing was invented . Some scholars believe it may have been used for protection, while others think it could have served a spiritual or ceremonial purpose . Whatever its function, standing beside it today is humbling  a reminder of the incredible ingenuity of humanity’s earliest city builders .

📖 A Place Where Faith and History Intertwine

For many visitors, Jericho is more than an archaeological wonder it is a place deeply tied to the stories of the Bible . According to the Old Testament, Jericho was the first city conquered by the Israelites when they entered the Promised Land . The dramatic story of Joshua and the Battle of Jericho, when the city walls fell after the Israelites marched around them blowing trumpets, is one of the most iconic passages in Scripture .

When you stand on Tell es-Sultan, it is not difficult to imagine this legendary scene . The thought that these very walls could be connected to that story makes the experience powerful for pilgrims . The site, therefore, is not just for historians but also for those on a spiritual journey, connecting the ruins beneath their feet with the living words of faith .

🏞️ What Awaits You at Tell es-Sultan

A visit to Tell es-Sultan is like walking through a time capsule. Here’s what you’ll encounter:

• The Tower of Jericho – A striking structure that stands as one of humanity’s earliest engineering achievements .
• Ancient Walls – Fortifications that reveal Jericho’s early role as a defended city, unusual for its time .
• Excavation Layers – Each trench reveals a new chapter: Neolithic farmers, Bronze Age traders, and biblical inhabitants .
• The Spring of Elisha – Located nearby, this fresh-water spring has supported life in Jericho for millennia and is still flowing today .
• Panoramic Views – From the top of the mound, you’ll see Jericho’s oasis of date palms and banana groves framed by the rugged hills of the desert .

As you walk, the site may seem quiet  but with the help of a guide, every stone begins to speak . You learn not just about what is there, but why it mattered, and how it connects to the stories of humanity and faith .

🕌 Jericho: More Than Just Ruins

While Tell es-Sultan is the highlight, a trip to Jericho offers even more . The city is often called the “City of Palms” because of its lush greenery and oasis like environment. It is also known as one of the lowest and oldest cities in the world, sitting about 258 meters below sea level .

Nearby you can explore:

• Mount of Temptation – Where Jesus fasted for 40 days and was tempted by the devil, according to the Gospels . Today, a monastery clings dramatically to the cliffs, accessible by cable car .
• Hisham’s Palace – The remains of an 8th-century Islamic palace featuring intricate mosaics, including the famous “Tree of Life.”
• The Dead Sea – Just a short drive away, you can float in its salty waters and cover yourself with its therapeutic mud .

Jericho is more than a stop; it’s an experience of contrasts: ancient ruins and modern life, desert landscapes and lush gardens, sacred traditions and everyday hospitality .

✨ Why You Should Visit Tell es-Sultan

Traveling to Tell es-Sultan is not just about seeing ruins it’s about connecting with the story of humanity . Here, you stand where the very first city builders dared to dream of permanence . You walk where biblical legends were told and retold . You touch the stones that have witnessed every age of history  from Neolithic settlers to Roman conquerors, Crusaders, and beyond .

Most importantly, you experience it through the eyes of the people who live here today . Guided by Elijah Tours & Travel, your visit is enriched with local knowledge, personal stories, and the cultural warmth that makes travel in the West Bank unforgettable .

🌟 Practical Tips for Your Visit

• Best time to visit: Early morning or late afternoon, as Jericho can get very hot, especially in summer .
• What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and water .
• Combine your trip: Many travelers combine Tell es-Sultan with a visit to the Dead Sea, the Mount of Temptation, and Bethlehem in a single day .
• Photography: The site and surrounding landscapes are highly photogenic  don’t miss a panoramic shot from the top of the mound .

🌍 Final Thoughts

Tell es-Sultan is more than an archaeological site it is a place that challenges us to look back at where humanity began, to reflect on the stories of faith that shaped civilizations, and to appreciate the continuity of life in one of the world’s most fascinating regions .

For travelers, it is a reminder that the Holy Land is not just about famous churches and monuments, but also about places where the story of human history itself began .

So when you plan your journey to the West Bank, don’t just pass by Jericho . Take time to climb Tell es-Sultan, breathe its history, and let yourself be transported to the very dawn of civilization . With Elijah Tours & Travel, you’ll see it not as a pile of stones, but as a living story waiting to be told .