Heritage with Related Tags
Wadi Al-Hitan (Whale Valley)
Wadi Al-Hitan, the Whale Valley in Egypt's Western Desert, contains priceless fossil remains of the earliest, now extinct whale suborder Archaeoceti. These fossils represent one of the main stories of evolution: the evolution of whales from land animals to marine mammals. This is the most important site in the world showing this stage of evolution. It gives a vivid picture of the form and life of these whales during the transition. The number, concentration and quality of such fossils here are unique, and they are easy to find and located in a beautiful and protected environment. The fossils at Al-Hitan show the youngest Archaeoceti, which are in the final stages of losing their hind limbs. Other fossil material at the site allows one to reconstruct the surrounding environment and ecological conditions at the time.
Baptism Site “Bethany Beyond the Jordan” (Al-Maghtas)
Located on the east bank of the Jordan River, 9 km north of the Dead Sea, this archaeological site consists of two distinct areas: Tell Al-Kharrar, also known as Jabal Mar-Elias (Mount Elijah), and the area of the Church of St. John the Baptist by the river. The site is located in a pristine natural environment and is believed to be the place where Jesus of Nazareth was baptized by John the Baptist. It has Roman and Byzantine remains, including churches and chapels, monasteries, caves used by hermits and a baptismal pool, which testify to the religious character of the site. The site is a place of pilgrimage for Christians.