An archaeologist in Jordan says ancient ruins and historical records provide new evidence about the true site of Jesus’ baptism more than 2,000 years ago. M. Waheeb, a researcher at Hashemite University, argues that the biblical event took place at Bethany beyond the Jordan, an archaeological site known today as Al-Maghtas. The site lies on the eastern bank of the Jordan River, about five miles north of the Dead Sea.
The findings, published in the Egyptian Journal of Archaeological and Restoration Studies, draw on archaeological discoveries, early Christian travel accounts, and biblical references.
Although Al-Maghtas has long been recognized as a traditional baptism site, Waheeb believes the evidence strengthens its identification as the location where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, an event commemorated during the Christian feast of Epiphany.
Ancient ruins reveal centuries of Christian worship
Excavations conducted between 1996 and 2002 uncovered churches, baptismal pools, prayer halls, mosaics and water systems at Al-Maghtas. The remains span several historical periods, including the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic eras. Researchers also identified evidence suggesting that people inhabited the area during the first century, when Jesus and John the Baptist lived.
Later religious buildings indicate that Christian communities used the location for worship and baptism over several centuries. Similar discoveries at an ancient Byzantine church in Israel have offered researchers further insight into early Christian baptism practices. The site lies near Tell Mar Elyas, also known as Elijah’s Hill, in Wadi al-Kharrar. Natural springs and vegetation surround the ancient settlement.
Ancient pilgrims described the baptism site
Waheeb also examined historical descriptions written centuries before modern excavations began. The Pilgrim of Bordeaux, writing in AD 333, and Theodosius, writing in AD 530, described a baptism location approximately five miles from where the Jordan River enters the Dead Sea. Waheeb argues that these geographical descriptions match Al-Maghtas.
Did archaeologists find the true site of Jesus Christ's baptism?
A new study links ancient churches, baptismal pools and early Christian records to Al-Maghtas in Jordan, strengthening the case that Jesus was baptized there more than 2,000 years ago. pic.twitter.com/TqEhPZS8Ms
— Tom Marvolo Riddle (@tom_riddle2025) October 20, 2026
Another traveler, the Pilgrim of Piacenza, described a monastery dedicated to St. John in AD 570. The complex reportedly included accommodation for visiting pilgrims. The study also suggests that flooding and changes in the Jordan River’s course explain why some ancient religious structures now stand away from the water.
Biblical records raise questions about Bethany
Waheeb examined a longstanding dispute over two biblical locations associated with the name Bethany. One was a village near Jerusalem, associated with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. The other, Bethany beyond the Jordan, appears in John 1:28 as the place where John the Baptist performed baptisms.
The researcher traced some confusion to Origen, an early Christian scholar who favored the name Bethabara after failing to identify the riverside settlement.
Ancient mosaic map offers geographical clues
Waheeb also studied the sixth-century Madaba Mosaic Map, which depicts biblical locations around the Jordan River. The 1,500-year-old mosaic map of the Holy Land has also helped archaeologists identify ancient settlements in Jordan. He argues that the map’s geographical details support distinguishing Bethany beyond the Jordan from Bethabara.
UNESCO recognized Al-Maghtas as a World Heritage Site in 2015 because of its religious and archaeological significance. Waheeb concludes that the excavations, biblical references, and early pilgrims’ descriptions support identifying the eastern-bank site as Bethany beyond the Jordan. However, the archaeological evidence cannot independently establish the precise location of Jesus’ baptism.
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