The Baptism Site is rediscovered

Many centuries later, in 1995, a Franciscan archaeologist, Father Michele Piccirillo, identified an area which he considered most likely to be the place of Bethany beyond the Jordan.  He had studied the map of Madaba, and taken into account the writings of early Christian pilgrims, the traditions of the Orthodox Church and the local place names,   Unfortunately the area he identified was under a minefield.

Father Piccirillo approached Prince Ghazi, a nephew of the late King Hussein and cousin of the actual King Abdullah II, and presented his case.  After some initial visits and findings the Prince was convinced and sought permission from King Hussein to excavate the area.  King Hussein had just signed a peace treaty and gave permission for de-mining to commence so the excavations could start.  The excavations brought to light much more than had been hoped for. 

Their findings

The archaeologists found the remains of a large thriving Christian community and place of pilgrimage.  They uncovered numerous churches and monasteries, wells, water cisterns, caravan inns, mosaic floors and hermit caves.

They identified Elijah’s Hill , the remains of a church containing the cave of John the Baptist, and, more importantly, John the Baptist’s Spring and the ancient course of the river Jordan. 

Where the last two met the most important discoveries were found.  Where the river once ran the remains of 5 important churches including four stone vaults spanning the river were discovered.

These discoveries all tied in with the accounts we have from pilgrims who visited the Baptism Site in the early centuries of Christianity.

The findings caused great excitement and much discussion in religious and historical circles throughout the world.  It was obvious to all that this was no ordinary site.  There must have been something very important going on here for such a large pilgrimage site to have been built in what is largely a desert area.