# A Bible map of the Holy Land

Tap a place to see what happened there, with the verse. Or follow a story along its road: Jesus by the Sea of Galilee, his last week in Jerusalem, the Exodus from Egypt to Sinai, or Paul’s journeys from Antioch to Rome.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map. Scripture quotations are from the Lumin Translation. Each place is marked as a well-established site, a traditional site, or uncertain. Route lines are likely routes: the Gospels rarely name a road, and Acts names ports and towns but not the track between them. A dotted line shows a direction only.

## Journeys

### The Christmas story (Luke 1-2 and Matthew 2)

From Nazareth to Bethlehem, the magi from the east, the flight to Egypt, and the road home. Luke and Matthew name the places. They do not name the roads, so each line is a likely route.

1. **Gabriel visits Mary in Nazareth** ([Luke 1:26-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/1#26-38)). The story begins in a village in Galilee. The angel tells Mary she will have a son and name him Jesus.
   > In the sixth month God sent the angel Gabriel to a Galilean town named Nazareth, to a virgin promised in marriage to a man called Joseph, who was from the house of David; the virgin was named Mary. (Luke 1:26-27)
2. **Mary goes to the hill country of Judah** ([Luke 1:39-56](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/1#39-56)). Mary hurries south to her relative Elizabeth and stays about three months.
   > In those days Mary set out and traveled quickly into the hill country, to a town of Judah, and there she went into Zechariah’s house and gave her greeting to Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-40)
   - Line on the map: The ridge road south (a likely route).
   - Luke names no town and no road. The line follows the ridge road to the traditional site, Ein Karem.
3. **Nazareth to Bethlehem** ([Luke 2:1-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#1-5)). Caesar orders a registration. Joseph goes up from Nazareth to Bethlehem, the town of David, with Mary, who is expecting.
   > Joseph too went up from Galilee, out of the town of Nazareth, into Judea, to David’s city, which is called Bethlehem, since he came from the house and clan of David, to register together with Mary, to whom he was engaged; she was pregnant. (Luke 2:4-5)
   - Line on the map: Through Samaria, along the ridge (a likely route).
   - Line on the map: By the Jordan valley and Jericho (a likely route).
   - Luke does not say which way they went, or that Mary rode a donkey. Two roads ran south. The ridge road through Samaria is shorter. The Jordan valley road is longer and ends with a steep climb from Jericho. Either way it is roughly 130 to 160 km, several days on foot.
4. **The birth, and the shepherds** ([Luke 2:6-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#6-20)). The child is born in Bethlehem and laid in a manger. That night an angel tells shepherds in the fields nearby, and they come to see.
   > and she bore a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him down in a manger, since the guest room had no space for them. (Luke 2:7)
5. **Up to the temple in Jerusalem** ([Luke 2:22-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#22-38)). When the days of purification are over, they bring the child to Jerusalem. Simeon and Anna are waiting.
   > When the time for their purification under the law of Moses had run its course, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Luke 2:22)
   - Line on the map: The road north to Jerusalem (a likely route).
   - Bethlehem is about 9 km from Jerusalem, a morning’s walk along the ridge.
6. **Magi come from the east** ([Matthew 2:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/2#1-12)). Wise men arrive in Jerusalem asking for the newborn king. Herod sends them to Bethlehem, and the star goes ahead of them.
   > Once Jesus had been born in Bethlehem of Judea, in the time of King Herod, magi from the east made their way to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the newborn king of the Jews? For we saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2:1-2)
   - Line on the map: From the east (direction only).
   - Line on the map: Jerusalem to Bethlehem (a likely route).
   - Matthew says “from the east” and no more: not the country, not the road, and not how many came. The dotted line only shows the direction. They went home “by another route”, which is not drawn because nothing is known of it.
7. **The flight to Egypt** ([Matthew 2:13-18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/2#13-18)). An angel warns Joseph in a dream. He takes the child and his mother by night and leaves for Egypt.
   > Once they had left, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I give you word, because Herod is about to hunt for the child to destroy him.” So Joseph got up, and during the night he took the child and his mother and went away to Egypt. (Matthew 2:13-14)
   - Line on the map: The coast road through Gaza (a likely route).
   - Matthew names no road and no town in Egypt. The coast road was the usual way: down to Gaza, then along the shore of Sinai to the frontier at Pelusium, roughly 300 km.
8. **Home to Nazareth** ([Matthew 2:19-23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/2#19-23)). After Herod dies, Joseph brings them back. Hearing that Herod’s son rules Judea, he is afraid to go there and settles in Galilee.
   > But he heard that Archelaus was ruling as king of Judea in place of his father Herod, and he was afraid to go there. Warned in a dream, he withdrew into the districts of Galilee. He came to a town called Nazareth and made his home there, so that what was spoken through the prophets would be fulfilled—that he would be called a Nazarene. (Matthew 2:22-23)
   - Line on the map: North by the coastal plain (a likely route).
   - Matthew says Joseph avoided Judea. The coastal plain road, turning inland at Megiddo, reaches Galilee without crossing the hills of Judea.

### Jesus begins his work (Mark 1, Matthew 4, John 2)

About thirty years later: the baptism in the Jordan, forty days in the wilderness, a wedding at Cana, and a new home by the lake.

1. **From Nazareth to the Jordan** ([Mark 1:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/1#1-11)). Jesus comes from Nazareth in Galilee and is baptized by John in the Jordan.
   > At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan. The moment he came up from the water, he saw the heavens splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. Then a voice came out of the heavens: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I delight.” (Mark 1:9-11)
   - Line on the map: Down the Jordan valley (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period. The place of the baptism is the traditional one.
2. **Forty days in the wilderness** ([Matthew 4:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#1-11)). The Spirit leads him into the wilderness, where he fasts and is tempted.
   > Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2)
3. **A wedding at Cana** ([John 2:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/2#1-11)). Back in Galilee, at a wedding, he turns water into wine. John calls it the first of his signs.
   > This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)
   - Line on the map: Back up the valley to Galilee (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period. The site of Cana is not settled, so the end of the line is approximate.
4. **A new home in Capernaum** ([Matthew 4:12-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#12-17)). Leaving Nazareth, he goes to live in Capernaum by the lake.
   > He left Nazareth and went and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, (Matthew 4:13)
   - Line on the map: Down to the lake past Magdala (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period.
5. **Follow me** ([Matthew 4:18-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#18-22)). Walking by the lake, he calls Simon and Andrew, then James and John, from their boats.
   > As he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” (Matthew 4:18-19)

### Jesus in Galilee (Mark 1-9, with Matthew, Luke and John)

The years by the lake: teaching in the towns, the Sermon on the Mount, storms and crossings, and journeys north to Tyre and Caesarea Philippi. The Gospels give the outline, not a diary, so the steps follow Mark’s order.

1. **Through Samaria** ([John 4:1-26](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/4#1-26)). Going home from Judea, Jesus takes the road through Samaria and rests at Jacob’s well, where he talks with a Samaritan woman.
   > He came, then, to a Samaritan town named Sychar, close to the piece of land Jacob gave his son Joseph. Jacob’s spring was there, and Jesus, worn out from the journey, sat down just as he was beside the spring. It was about the sixth hour. (John 4:5-6)
   - Line on the map: North along the ridge road (a likely route).
   - John says he “had to pass through Samaria”. The ridge road through Bethel and Shechem was the direct way north.
2. **Back to Cana** ([John 4:43-54](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/4#43-54)). In Cana a royal official from Capernaum begs him to come. Jesus says, “Go; your son will live,” and the boy recovers that hour, 25 km away.
   > Jesus told him, “Go; your son will live.” The man believed what Jesus had said to him and started on his way. (John 4:50)
   - Line on the map: On north to Galilee (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period. The site of Cana is not settled, so the end of the line is approximate.
3. **Through all Galilee** ([Matthew 4:23-25](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#23-25)). From his home in Capernaum he goes round the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues and healing.
   > Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every disease and every sickness among the people. (Matthew 4:23)
4. **The Sermon on the Mount** ([Matthew 5:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/5#1-12)). Seeing the crowds, he goes up the mountain and sits down to teach: blessed are the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek.
   > At the sight of the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and when he had taken his seat, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and he taught them: (Matthew 5:1-2)
5. **A widow’s son at Nain** ([Luke 7:11-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/7#11-17)). At the gate of Nain he meets a funeral. He tells the mother not to weep, touches the bier, and gives the young man back to her.
   > Soon afterward Jesus went to a town called Nain, and his disciples and a large crowd went along with him. (Luke 7:11)
   - Line on the map: Up from the lake past Tabor (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period. Nain is about 40 km from Capernaum, two days on foot.
6. **Across the lake in a storm** ([Mark 4:35-41](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/4#35-41)). That evening he says, “Let us go across.” A squall fills the boat, and he wakes and stills the wind and the sea.
   > He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
   - Line on the map: Across to the other side (a likely route).
   - Mark says they crossed “to the other side”, to the region of the Gerasenes. The line runs to Kursi, the traditional landing on the east shore.
7. **The man among the tombs** ([Mark 5:1-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/5#1-20)). On the east shore a man no chain could hold runs to meet him. Jesus frees him and sends him home to tell what God has done.
   > They came to the other side of the sea, to the region of the Gerasenes. As soon as Jesus got out of the boat, a man with an unclean spirit came out of the tombs to meet him. (Mark 5:1-2)
8. **Five thousand fed** ([Mark 6:30-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/6#30-44)). In a lonely place by the lake he takes five loaves and two fish, gives thanks and breaks them, and the crowd eats until they are full.
   > Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, (Mark 6:41-42)
9. **Walking on the water** ([Matthew 14:22-33](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/14#22-33)). He sends the disciples ahead by boat toward Bethsaida. In the last watch of the night he comes to them across the water, and they land at Gennesaret.
   > In the fourth watch of the night Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It is a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. But Jesus spoke to them at once: “Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:25-27)
   - Line on the map: Toward Bethsaida, landing at Gennesaret (direction only).
   - Mark says they set out for Bethsaida and came to land at Gennesaret, blown off course by the wind. Where the feeding took place is not settled either, so the line is dotted and shows the direction only.
10. **North to the region of Tyre** ([Mark 7:24-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/7#24-30)). He goes away into Gentile country. A Greek woman begs him to heal her daughter, and her answer moves him.
   > But she answered him, “Lord, even the dogs under the table eat the children’s crumbs.” Then he said to her, “Because of this answer, you may go. The demon has left your daughter.” (Mark 7:28-29)
   - Line on the map: Over the hills of upper Galilee (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period. Mark says “the region of Tyre”, not the city itself, so the line ends at the city as the region’s centre.
11. **By Sidon and the Decapolis** ([Mark 7:31-37](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/7#31-37)). He goes back the long way, north through Sidon and round to the Decapolis, east of the lake, where he heals a deaf man.
   > Then Jesus left the region of Tyre again and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. (Mark 7:31)
   - Line on the map: North to Sidon, then round to the Decapolis (direction only).
   - Mark names three regions and no road. The dotted line shows only the direction of a journey of perhaps 200 km, north to Sidon, then inland and down to the east side of the lake.
12. **Who do you say I am?** ([Mark 8:27-33](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/8#27-33)). On the road to the villages of Caesarea Philippi he asks the disciples who he is. Peter answers, “You are the Messiah.”
   > He asked them, “But who do you say that I am?” Peter answered him, “You are the Messiah.” (Mark 8:29)
   - Line on the map: North up the Jordan (a likely route).
   - The Gospels do not name the road. The line follows a road known from the period. The road ran north from Bethsaida up the Jordan valley to its springs, about 40 km.
13. **Up a high mountain** ([Mark 9:2-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/9#2-8)). Six days later he takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain, and he is transfigured before them.
   > Six days later Jesus took Peter, James, and John with him and led them up a high mountain, alone by themselves. There he was transfigured before them, (Mark 9:2)
14. **Home to Capernaum** ([Mark 9:33-37](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/9#33-37)). Back in the house in Capernaum he asks what they argued about on the road, and sets a child among them. From here he sets out for Jerusalem.
   > They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you discussing on the way?” (Mark 9:33)

### The road to Jerusalem (Luke 9-24, Mark 10, John 12)

The last journey: from Galilee down the far side of the Jordan, through Jericho, up to Bethany and into Jerusalem, and then the road to Emmaus.

1. **He sets out for Jerusalem** ([Luke 9:51-56](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/9#51-56)). Luke says he set his face to go to Jerusalem. Mark says he went to the region of Judea and beyond the Jordan.
   > As the days drew near for him to be taken up, he resolutely set his face to go to Jerusalem. (Luke 9:51)
   - Line on the map: Beyond the Jordan, through Perea (a likely route).
   - The Gospels give stages, not a road, and Luke’s account covers many months and more than one trip. The line follows Mark 10:1: across the Jordan and down through Perea.
2. **Through Jericho** ([Luke 19:1-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/19#1-10)). Near Jericho a blind man receives his sight. In the town, Jesus goes home with Zacchaeus.
   > Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10)
3. **Up to Bethany** ([John 12:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/12#1-8)). Six days before the Passover he comes to Bethany, where Mary anoints his feet.
   > Six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, whom Jesus had raised from the dead. (John 12:1)
   - Line on the map: The ascent from Jericho (a likely route).
   - This road is well known. It climbs about 1,000 m in 25 km through the wilderness of Judea.
4. **Into Jerusalem** ([Luke 19:28-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/19#28-44)). He rides a colt over the Mount of Olives. The crowd spreads cloaks on the road and shouts for a king.
   > As he was now approaching the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen. They said, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38)
   - Line on the map: Over the Mount of Olives (a likely route).
   - About 3 km, from Bethany over the Mount of Olives and down into the city.
5. **The cross and the empty tomb** ([Luke 24:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/24#1-12)). He is crucified outside the city wall. On the third day the tomb is empty.
   > Terrified, the women bent their faces toward the ground, and the men said to them, “Why are you searching among the dead for the one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised! Think back to what he told you while he was still in Galilee, (Luke 24:5-6)
6. **The road to Emmaus** ([Luke 24:13-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/24#13-35)). That same day he walks with two disciples who do not know him until he breaks the bread.
   > As he reclined to eat with them, he took the bread, said a blessing, broke it, and handed it to them. Then their eyes were opened wide and they knew him, and he disappeared from their view. (Luke 24:30-31)
   - Line on the map: Toward Emmaus (direction only).
   - Where Emmaus stood is not settled, so the line shows a direction only. Luke puts the village about 11 km from Jerusalem. The pin marks the oldest traditional site, which is farther.

### Holy Week in Jerusalem (Mark 11-16, with Luke and John)

The last week, close up: over the Mount of Olives into the city, days in the temple, the supper, Gethsemane, the trials, the cross and the empty tomb. It all happens within about three kilometres. Where the Gospels leave a site open, the map shows each proposal.

1. **The colt at Bethphage** ([Mark 11:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/11#1-7)). Near Bethphage and Bethany, Jesus sends two disciples to bring a colt that no one has ridden.
   > As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that no one has ever sat on. Untie it and bring it. (Mark 11:1-2)
   - Line on the map: Bethany to Bethphage (a likely route).
   - Bethany and Bethphage were neighbours on the east slope. Where Bethphage stood is traditional, so the line ends at the church that remembers it.
2. **Hosanna** ([Mark 11:7-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/11#7-11)). He rides over the Mount of Olives and down toward the city. The crowd spreads cloaks and branches and shouts, “Hosanna!”
   > Those who went ahead and those who followed were shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord! (Mark 11:9)
   - Line on the map: Over the hill and down to the temple (a likely route).
   - The Gospels say he came from Bethphage by the Mount of Olives and went into the temple. The line follows the path pilgrims still walk on Palm Sunday, over the top and down the west slope. The gate he entered by is not named.
3. **He weeps over the city** ([Luke 19:41-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/19#41-44)). As he comes near and sees the city, he weeps over it: if only you had known the things that make for peace.
   > As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day, even you, the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19:41-42)
4. **He clears the temple** ([Mark 11:15-19](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/11#15-19)). The next day he drives out the sellers and overturns the tables: my house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations.
   > Then he taught them and said, “Is it not written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” (Mark 11:17)
5. **Days in the temple, nights on the hill** ([Luke 21:37-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/21#37-38)). Each day he teaches in the temple courts, and each night he goes out to the Mount of Olives. The people come early to hear him.
   > Every day he was teaching in the temple, and every night he went out and spent the night on the hill called the Mount of Olives. And all the people would get up early in the morning to come to him in the temple and listen to him. (Luke 21:37-38)
   - Line on the map: Out across the Kidron each night (a likely route).
   - Luke says he spent the nights on the Mount of Olives. Mark says he went out to Bethany, just over the top. The walk is about a kilometre and a steep climb.
6. **Facing the temple** ([Mark 13:1-37](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/13#1-37)). Sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, he tells four disciples what is coming, and to keep watch.
   > As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, (Mark 13:3)
7. **Anointed at Bethany** ([Mark 14:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/14#1-11)). At the house of Simon the leper, a woman breaks a jar of costly perfume and pours it on his head. Judas goes to the chief priests.
   > While he was in Bethany at the house of Simon the leper, reclining at the table, a woman came with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume made of pure nard. She broke the jar and poured the perfume on his head. (Mark 14:3)
8. **The Last Supper** ([Luke 22:7-23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/22#7-23)). In a large upper room in the city he eats the Passover with the twelve. He breaks the bread: this is my body, given for you.
   > Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)
   - Line on the map: Into the city (direction only).
   - Mark says only that the disciples went into the city and found the room. Its place is traditional, on Mount Zion, so the dotted line shows the direction and no road.
9. **Gethsemane** ([Mark 14:26-52](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/14#26-52)). They sing a hymn and cross the Kidron to a garden. He prays, “Not what I want, but what you want,” and Judas comes with a crowd.
   > He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36)
   - Line on the map: Down and across the Kidron (a likely route).
   - John says they crossed the Kidron Valley. The line runs from the traditional upper room down through the lower city and up the valley, about 1.5 km.
10. **Before the high priest** ([Luke 22:54-71](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/22#54-71)). They bring him back into the city to the high priest. In the courtyard Peter denies him three times, and the rooster crows.
   > The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)
   - Line on the map: Back across the Kidron (direction only).
   - Where the high priest lived is not settled, so the line is dotted. It ends at the traditional site, St Peter in Gallicantu.
11. **Before Pilate** ([Mark 15:1-15](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/15#1-15)). At dawn they bind him and hand him over to Pilate. Pilate sits on the judgment seat at the Stone Pavement and gives him up to be crucified.
   > As soon as it was morning, the chief priests, with the elders and the scribes and the whole council, reached a decision. They bound Jesus, led him away, and handed him over to Pilate. (Mark 15:1)
   - Line on the map: To Herod’s palace (a proposal) (direction only).
   - Line on the map: To the Antonia (the traditional site) (direction only).
   - The Gospels call the place the praetorium, the governor’s headquarters, and do not say which building it was. Both proposals are drawn dotted: Herod’s palace, which many scholars prefer, and the Antonia fortress, where the Via Dolorosa begins.
12. **The way to the cross** ([John 19:16-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/19#16-30)). Carrying his cross, he goes out to the Place of the Skull, near the city. Simon of Cyrene is made to carry it. There they crucify him.
   > and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. (John 19:17)
   - Line on the map: From Herod’s palace (direction only).
   - Line on the map: The Via Dolorosa, from the Antonia (direction only).
   - No Gospel names the streets. The traditional Via Dolorosa starts at the Antonia. If Pilate judged him at Herod’s palace, the walk was shorter, out by a gate on the west side. Both are drawn dotted. Either way it was well under a kilometre.
13. **The empty tomb** ([Mark 16:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/16#1-8)). On the first day of the week, early, the women find the stone rolled back. “He has been raised; he is not here.”
   > He said to them, “Do not be so alarmed. You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene, the one who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, here is the place where they laid him. (Mark 16:6)
14. **Forty days later** ([Acts 1:6-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/1#6-12)). He leads them out toward Bethany, blesses them, and is taken up. They go back to the city from the Mount of Olives with great joy.
   > Then they went back to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives, which is close to Jerusalem, within a Sabbath day’s journey. (Acts 1:12)

### The Exodus (Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy and Joshua 3)

Out of slavery in Egypt, through the sea, to Mount Sinai, forty years in the wilderness, and across the Jordan. The Bible names many camps and only a few can be found today. The map says which, and where scholars disagree it shows the main proposals.

1. **Slaves in Egypt** ([Exodus 1:8-14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/1#8-14)). Jacob’s family has grown into a people in the land of Goshen. A new Pharaoh fears them, and they are forced to build his cities.
   > So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor. The Israelites built supply cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Rameses. (Exodus 1:11)
2. **The night they left** ([Exodus 12:29-42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/12#29-42)). After the tenth plague, on the night of the first Passover, Pharaoh tells them to go. They set out from Rameses for Succoth.
   > The Israelites set out from Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting the children. (Exodus 12:37)
   - Line on the map: East through the Wadi Tumilat (a likely route).
   - Rameses is the city at Qantir. Succoth is usually placed in the Wadi Tumilat, the valley that was the natural road east out of the delta, so the line follows it.
3. **Not by the coast road** ([Exodus 13:17-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/13#17-22)). God does not lead them along the coast, the short way to Canaan, but round by the wilderness toward the Red Sea, in a pillar of cloud and fire.
   > When Pharaoh let the people go, God did not lead them by the road through the land of the Philistines, although that was shorter. For God said, “If the people face war, they might change their minds and return to Egypt.” So God led the people around by the road through the wilderness toward the Red Sea. The Israelites went up out of the land of Egypt ready for battle. (Exodus 13:17-18)
   - Line on the map: Toward Etham, on the edge of the wilderness (direction only).
   - The coast road they did not take is the one the Christmas story uses, through Gaza. Etham, where they camped next, has not been found, so the line shows the direction only.
4. **Through the sea** ([Exodus 14:15-31](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/14#15-31)). Pharaoh’s chariots trap them against the sea. An east wind blows all night, the waters part, and Israel crosses on dry ground.
   > Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh pushed the sea back with a powerful east wind the whole night long, making the sea into dry land. The waters split apart, and the Israelites entered the middle of the sea on dry ground, while the waters were a wall for them to their right and to their left. (Exodus 14:21-22)
   - Line on the map: One proposal: across the Bitter Lakes (direction only).
   - Line on the map: Another: at the head of the Gulf of Suez (direction only).
   - No one knows where the crossing was, and both lines are dotted. They show two of the main proposals. Others put it at the lakes farther north, and a modern theory puts it on the Gulf of Aqaba, which few scholars accept.
5. **Bitter water made sweet** ([Exodus 15:22-27](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/15#22-27)). Three days into the wilderness they find only bitter water at Marah, and God makes it sweet. Then they reach the springs and palms of Elim.
   > Moses cried out to Yahweh, and Yahweh pointed him to a piece of wood. He tossed it into the water, and the water turned sweet. There Yahweh set a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he put them to the test. (Exodus 15:25)
   - Line on the map: South along the Gulf of Suez (a likely route).
   - From the sea to Sinai the line follows the traditional route, down the west side of the peninsula to Jebel Musa. It is the oldest reading of the journey, but its camps are placed by tradition, not by inscriptions found there.
6. **Manna in the wilderness** ([Exodus 16:1-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/16#1-21)). In the wilderness of Sin the people say they were better off in Egypt. God sends quail, and every morning bread from heaven.
   > When the layer of dew had lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was something thin and flaky, thin as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that Yahweh has given you to eat. (Exodus 16:14-15)
   - Line on the map: Down to the plain of el-Markha (a likely route).
   - From the sea to Sinai the line follows the traditional route, down the west side of the peninsula to Jebel Musa. It is the oldest reading of the journey, but its camps are placed by tradition, not by inscriptions found there.
7. **Water from the rock** ([Exodus 17:1-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/17#1-16)). At Rephidim there is no water. Moses strikes the rock and water pours out. Then Amalek attacks.
   > I will stand there before you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, and the people will drink.” Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. (Exodus 17:6)
   - Line on the map: Up the Wadi Feiran (a likely route).
   - From the sea to Sinai the line follows the traditional route, down the west side of the peninsula to Jebel Musa. It is the oldest reading of the journey, but its camps are placed by tradition, not by inscriptions found there.
8. **At Mount Sinai** ([Exodus 20:1-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/20#1-17)). Three months out of Egypt they camp before the mountain. God gives the Ten Commandments and makes a covenant with Israel. They stay almost a year.
   > “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slaves. Do not have any other gods before me. (Exodus 20:2-3)
   - Line on the map: To Jebel Musa (a likely route).
   - Which mountain is Sinai is not known. The line ends at Jebel Musa, the traditional site. Jebel al-Lawz in Arabia, a modern proposal, is marked too. Open either pin for the other candidates.
9. **The spies, and forty years** ([Numbers 14:1-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/14#1-35)). At Kadesh twelve spies go into Canaan. Ten say it cannot be taken, the people refuse to go up, and God says they will wander forty years.
   > Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. (Numbers 14:33)
   - Line on the map: North to Kadesh (direction only).
   - Deuteronomy 1:2 puts Kadesh-barnea eleven days from Horeb by the Mount Seir road, but the camps between them in Numbers 33 are unknown. The dotted line shows the direction only.
10. **Edom says no, and Aaron dies** ([Numbers 20:14-29](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/20#14-29)). Near the end of the forty years, Edom refuses to let them pass. At Mount Hor, on Edom’s border, Aaron dies.
   > Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, and Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. (Numbers 20:28)
   - Line on the map: East to Mount Hor (direction only).
   - Numbers gives no road from Kadesh to Mount Hor, and Mount Hor itself is placed by tradition. The dotted line shows the direction only.
11. **The long way round Edom** ([Numbers 21:4-9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/21#4-9)). They go south to the Red Sea and round Edom. On the way, bitten by snakes, the people look at a bronze snake on a pole and live.
   > They set out from Mount Hor by the road to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom, but the people grew impatient on the way. (Numbers 21:4)
   - Line on the map: By Ezion-geber, then north by the desert road (a likely route).
   - Numbers 21:4 and Deuteronomy 2:8 give the outline: south by the Red Sea road past Elath and Ezion-geber, round Edom, and north by the wilderness road of Moab. Most of the camps on the way are unknown, so the line keeps to that outline.
12. **Moses sees the land** ([Deuteronomy 34:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/deuteronomy/34#1-8)). Camped in the plains of Moab, across from Jericho, Moses climbs Mount Nebo. God shows him the land, and he dies there.
   > Then Yahweh said to him, “This is the land I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, as Yahweh had said. (Deuteronomy 34:4-5)
13. **Across the Jordan** ([Joshua 3:9-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/3#9-17)). Under Joshua the river stops, and the people cross on dry ground opposite Jericho. Forty years after leaving Egypt, they are in the land.
   > The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan. (Joshua 3:17)
   - Line on the map: Over the river to Gilgal (a likely route).
   - Joshua says they crossed opposite Jericho and camped at Gilgal, on its eastern edge. The ford is the traditional one, and the site of Gilgal is not known for certain.

### Paul’s first journey (Acts 13-14)

Barnabas and Saul are sent out from Antioch. They cross Cyprus, climb to the towns of Galatia, and come home the way they went. Acts names each town. It does not name the roads.

1. **The church in Antioch sends them** ([Acts 13:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#1-3)). While the church is worshiping and fasting, the Holy Spirit names two men for a new work.
   > While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3)
2. **Across Cyprus** ([Acts 13:4-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#4-12)). They sail from Seleucia to Salamis, then cross the whole island to Paphos, where the Roman governor believes.
   > So Barnabas and Saul, sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John with them as their assistant. (Acts 13:4-5)
   - Line on the map: Seleucia to Salamis by sea, then the south coast road (a likely route).
   - Acts says they went “through the whole island”. It does not say by which road. The line follows the Roman road along the south coast.
3. **Up to Pisidian Antioch** ([Acts 13:13-52](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#13-52)). They sail to Perga, where John Mark leaves them, and climb through the Taurus mountains. Paul preaches in the synagogue.
   > Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem. They went on from Perga and arrived at Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. (Acts 13:13-14)
   - Line on the map: Paphos to Perga by sea, then the mountain road north (a likely route).
   - Acts names Perga and Pisidian Antioch and nothing between. The line follows an ancient road up the Cestrus valley, a long climb.
4. **Iconium** ([Acts 14:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#1-7)). Driven out of Antioch, they shake the dust off their feet and go east. In Iconium a great number believe.
   > In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)
   - Line on the map: The Roman road east (the Via Sebaste) (a likely route).
   - Acts does not name the road. The line follows the Roman road built a generation earlier to link the colonies.
5. **Lystra and Derbe** ([Acts 14:8-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#8-21)). At Lystra a lame man walks and the crowd calls them gods. Then the crowd turns, and Paul is stoned. The next day he goes on to Derbe.
   > Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. (Acts 14:19-20)
   - Line on the map: South to Lystra, then across the plain (a likely route).
   - Acts does not name the road, and where Derbe stood is not certain. The line runs to the site most often chosen.
6. **Back the way they came** ([Acts 14:21-28](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#21-28)). They return through Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, appointing elders in each church. From Attalia they sail home and report to the church.
   > From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26-27)
   - Line on the map: Back through each town, then Attalia to Antioch by sea (a likely route).
   - Acts names the towns in order. Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water.

### Paul’s second journey (Acts 15:36-18:22)

Paul sets out with Silas to visit the churches, and ends up in Europe. Philippi, Thessalonica, Berea, Athens and Corinth all come in this one journey.

1. **Overland to Derbe and Lystra** ([Acts 15:36-41](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/15#36-41)). Paul and Silas go north through Syria and Cilicia. At Lystra, Timothy joins them.
   > but Paul chose Silas and set out, after the brothers and sisters had entrusted him to the grace of the Lord. He traveled through Syria and Cilicia, strengthening the churches. (Acts 15:40-41)
   - Line on the map: Through Cilicia and the Cilician Gates (a likely route).
   - Acts says only “through Syria and Cilicia”. From Cilicia the one road onto the plateau was the pass called the Cilician Gates, so the line takes it.
2. **Across Asia Minor to Troas** ([Acts 16:6-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/16#6-10)). Twice they are kept from going where they planned. They come down to the coast at Troas, and in the night Paul sees a man of Macedonia asking for help.
   > During the night Paul had a vision: a man of Macedonia was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” As soon as he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. (Acts 16:9-10)
   - Line on the map: Through Phrygia and Galatia, past Mysia (direction only).
   - Acts gives regions here, not towns: Phrygia and Galatia, the edge of Bithynia, past Mysia. The dotted line shows the direction only.
3. **Over the sea to Philippi** ([Acts 16:11-40](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/16#11-40)). Two days’ sailing brings them to Macedonia. At Philippi, Lydia believes, Paul and Silas are jailed, and the jailer believes.
   > We set sail from Troas and made a straight run to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis, and from there to Philippi, a city of the first district of Macedonia and a Roman colony. We stayed in this city for some days. (Acts 16:11-12)
   - Line on the map: Troas to Neapolis by sea, by way of Samothrace (a likely route).
   - Acts gives this crossing closely: a straight run to the island of Samothrace, the next day to the port of Neapolis, then inland to Philippi.
4. **Thessalonica and Berea** ([Acts 17:1-13](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/17#1-13)). They walk west along the great road. A mob drives them from Thessalonica. In Berea the people check the Scriptures each day.
   > Passing through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they reached Thessalonica, where the Jews had a synagogue. (Acts 17:1)
   - Line on the map: The Via Egnatia, through Amphipolis and Apollonia (a likely route).
   - Amphipolis and Apollonia were stations on the Via Egnatia, the Roman road across Macedonia, so the road is as good as named.
5. **Athens** ([Acts 17:14-34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/17#14-34)). When trouble follows him to Berea, the believers take Paul to the coast and on to Athens. He speaks at the Areopagus.
   > Standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I went around and studied your sacred objects, I even came upon an altar with this written on it: ‘To an unknown god.’ So what you revere in ignorance, I am proclaiming to you. (Acts 17:22-23)
   - Line on the map: From the coast near Berea to Athens (direction only).
   - Acts says they took him “as far as the sea” and then to Athens. It does not say whether they sailed. The dotted line shows the sea passage, which most readers think likely.
6. **Corinth** ([Acts 18:1-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/18#1-17)). Paul goes on alone to Corinth, meets Aquila and Priscilla, and stays a year and a half.
   > One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So he stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:9-11)
   - Line on the map: The coast road by Eleusis and Megara (a likely route).
   - Acts says only that he left Athens and went to Corinth. The line follows the main road, about 85 km.
7. **Home by Ephesus and Caesarea** ([Acts 18:18-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/18#18-22)). He sails from Cenchreae, the eastern port of Corinth, stops briefly at Ephesus, lands at Caesarea, greets the church, and goes down to Antioch.
   > but as he said goodbye, he told them, “I will come back to you, if God wills.” Then he set sail from Ephesus. When he had landed at Caesarea, he went up and greeted the church and then went down to Antioch. (Acts 18:21-22)
   - Line on the map: Cenchreae to Ephesus to Caesarea by sea, then up to Jerusalem (a likely route).
   - Line on the map: Jerusalem to Antioch (direction only).
   - Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water. “He went up and greeted the church” most likely means Jerusalem. How he went on to Antioch is not said, so that line is dotted.

### Paul’s third journey (Acts 18:23-21:17)

More than two years in Ephesus, a round through Macedonia and Greece, and a slow voyage to Jerusalem, where friends in every port warn him not to go.

1. **Overland to Ephesus** ([Acts 19:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/19#1-7)). Paul goes from church to church through Galatia and Phrygia, and comes down to Ephesus as he had promised.
   > While Apollos was in Corinth, Paul traveled through the inland regions and came down to Ephesus. There he found some disciples. (Acts 19:1)
   - Line on the map: Through the churches of Galatia, then west to the coast (a likely route).
   - Acts says “the region of Galatia and Phrygia” and “the inland regions”. The line passes the churches of the first journey and follows the main road west. He may have taken a hill road farther north.
2. **Two years in Ephesus** ([Acts 19:8-41](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/19#8-41)). Paul teaches every day, and the message spreads through the whole province. It ends with a riot in the theater.
   > This went on for two years, so that all who lived in Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. (Acts 19:10)
3. **Through Macedonia to Greece** ([Acts 20:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/20#1-3)). He visits the churches of Macedonia and spends three months in Greece, most likely at Corinth.
   > He went through those regions, encouraging the believers with many words, and then he came to Greece, where he stayed three months. Because the Jews had made a plot against him just as he was about to set sail for Syria, he decided to go back through Macedonia. (Acts 20:2-3)
   - Line on the map: Ephesus to Macedonia, then south to Greece (direction only).
   - Acts gives only “Macedonia” and “Greece”. Paul’s own letter says he went by Troas (2 Corinthians 2:12-13). The dotted line shows the direction only.
4. **Back through Macedonia to Troas** ([Acts 20:3-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/20#3-12)). A plot keeps him from sailing for Syria, so he turns north again. At Troas he talks past midnight, and Eutychus falls from the window.
   > We sailed from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread, and five days later we joined them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. (Acts 20:6)
   - Line on the map: North through Macedonia to Philippi (a likely route).
   - Line on the map: Philippi to Troas by sea, five days (a likely route).
   - Acts says he went back through Macedonia and sailed from Philippi. It names no road. Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water.
5. **Down the coast to Miletus** ([Acts 20:13-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/20#13-38)). Paul walks to Assos while the others sail round the cape. From there the ship goes south, a day at a time. At Miletus he says goodbye to the elders of Ephesus.
   > When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept freely, and they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving most of all because of what he had said, that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. (Acts 20:36-38)
   - Line on the map: On foot to Assos, then by sea past Mitylene, Chios and Samos (a likely route).
   - Acts lists each day’s stop: Assos, Mitylene, off Chios, Samos, Miletus. Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water.
6. **By sea to Tyre, and up to Jerusalem** ([Acts 21:1-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/21#1-17)). Cos, Rhodes, Patara, then straight across with Cyprus on the left. At Tyre and at Caesarea the believers beg him not to go on. He goes.
   > Then Paul answered, “What are you doing, weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound but even to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13)
   - Line on the map: Miletus to Tyre by sea, then Ptolemais, Caesarea and Jerusalem (a likely route).
   - Acts names every port, and says they passed south of Cyprus. Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water. The road from Caesarea up to Jerusalem is not named.

### Paul’s voyage to Rome (Acts 21:27-28:31)

Arrested in Jerusalem and held two years at Caesarea, Paul appeals to Caesar. He is sent to Rome by sea, late in the year, and the ship is lost in a storm.

1. **Arrested in Jerusalem** ([Acts 21:27-36](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/21#27-36)). A crowd seizes Paul in the temple, and Roman soldiers take him in. That night the Lord tells him he will speak in Rome too.
   > The following night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, “Take courage! For just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)
2. **By night to Caesarea** ([Acts 23:12-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/23#12-35)). A plot to kill him is found out. Soldiers take him to the governor at Caesarea, where he is held two years and at last appeals to Caesar.
   > So the soldiers, carrying out their orders, took Paul and brought him during the night to Antipatris. The next day they let the horsemen go on with him, while they returned to the barracks. When the horsemen came to Caesarea and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul to him. (Acts 23:31-33)
   - Line on the map: Down to Antipatris, then the coast road (a likely route).
   - Acts names Antipatris as the night’s halt. The road down from Jerusalem to it is not named.
3. **Sailing against the wind** ([Acts 27:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/27#1-12)). They work north of Cyprus for shelter, change ships at Myra, and crawl west. Under the shelter of Crete they reach Fair Havens, and Paul warns them to stay.
   > We sailed slowly for a number of days and had difficulty arriving off Cnidus. Since the wind did not allow us to go farther, we sailed under the shelter of Crete, off Salmone. Sailing along the coast with difficulty, we came to a place called Fair Havens, near the town of Lasea. (Acts 27:7-8)
   - Line on the map: Sidon, the lee of Cyprus, Myra, off Cnidus, the lee of Crete (a likely route).
   - Acts gives the ports and which side of each island the ship kept to. Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water.
4. **The storm** ([Acts 27:13-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/27#13-38)). A gale from the north-east catches the ship off Crete. For fourteen nights they are driven west, and no one expects to live. Paul tells them all will be saved.
   > When neither sun nor stars appeared for many days and the storm continued to rage, we finally gave up all hope of being saved. (Acts 27:20)
   - Line on the map: Driven west across the open sea (direction only).
   - After the island of Cauda, Acts gives no position for two weeks. The ship was drifting. The dotted line joins where the storm began and where it ended.
5. **Shipwreck on Malta** ([Acts 27:39-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/27#39-44)). The ship runs aground and breaks up, and everyone reaches the shore. The islanders are kind to them, and they stay three months.
   > But the centurion wanted to save Paul, so he kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest were to follow, some on planks and some on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely. (Acts 27:43-44)
6. **Malta to Rome** ([Acts 28:11-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/28#11-16)). In spring another ship takes them to Syracuse, Rhegium and Puteoli. Then they walk the Appian Way, and believers from Rome come out to meet them.
   > There we found brothers and sisters, who invited us to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. The brothers and sisters there had heard about us, and they came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. (Acts 28:14-15)
   - Line on the map: Syracuse, Rhegium and Puteoli by sea, then the Appian Way (a likely route).
   - The Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns were stations on the Appian Way, so the road is as good as named. Acts names the ports, and not the track between them. At sea the line is the shortest way through open water.
7. **Rome** ([Acts 28:16-31](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/28#16-31)). Paul lives two years in a rented house, under guard, and teaches everyone who comes. Acts ends here and does not say what happened next.
   > Paul stayed there two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28:30-31)

## Places

### Galilee and the lake

#### Nazareth

A small village in the hills of lower Galilee. Mary lived here, and Jesus grew up here. Well-established site. Today: Nazareth, a city in northern Israel. About 32.70° N, 35.30° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#nazareth

- **Gabriel visits Mary** ([Luke 1:26-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/1#26-38)). The angel tells Mary she will have a son and name him Jesus.
  > In the sixth month God sent the angel Gabriel to a Galilean town named Nazareth, to a virgin promised in marriage to a man called Joseph, who was from the house of David; the virgin was named Mary. (Luke 1:26-27)
- **Jesus grows up** ([Luke 2:39-52](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#39-52)). After Egypt the family settles here. Luke says the boy grew in wisdom and stature.
  > He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and he lived under their authority. His mother kept all these things safe in her heart. Jesus kept advancing in wisdom and in stature, and in favor with God and people. (Luke 2:51-52)
- **The synagogue** ([Luke 4:16-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/4#16-30)). Jesus reads from Isaiah in his home synagogue and says it is fulfilled. The town turns on him.
  > He came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, (Luke 4:16)

#### Capernaum

A fishing town on the north shore of the lake. Jesus made it his home during his years of teaching. Well-established site. Today: Ruins on the north shore of the Sea of Galilee, in Israel. About 32.88° N, 35.58° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#capernaum

- **Jesus moves here** ([Matthew 4:12-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#12-17)). Leaving Nazareth, he settles in Capernaum by the lake.
  > He left Nazareth and went and settled in Capernaum, which is by the sea in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, (Matthew 4:13)
- **A day in the synagogue** ([Mark 1:21-34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/1#21-34)). He teaches on the Sabbath, and people are amazed at his authority.
  > They came to Capernaum. As soon as the Sabbath arrived, he entered the synagogue and taught. The people were astounded by his teaching, because he taught them like someone with authority, not like the scribes. (Mark 1:21-22)
- **Through the roof** ([Mark 2:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/2#1-12)). Four friends lower a paralyzed man through the roof. Jesus forgives him and heals him.
  > When they could not get him to Jesus because of the crowd, they removed the roof above him. After digging through it, they lowered the mat the paralyzed man was lying on. When Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralyzed man, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (Mark 2:4-5)

#### The Sea of Galilee (Lake of Gennesaret, Sea of Tiberias, Chinnereth)

A freshwater lake about 21 km long, 210 m below sea level. Much of Jesus’s teaching happened on its shores. Well-established site. Today: Also called Lake Kinneret, in northern Israel. About 32.81° N, 35.59° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#sea-of-galilee

- **The first disciples** ([Matthew 4:18-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#18-22)). Walking by the lake, Jesus calls two pairs of brothers from their nets.
  > As he was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon, who is called Peter, and his brother Andrew, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. He said to them, “Come, follow me, and I will make you fishers of people.” (Matthew 4:18-19)
- **The Sermon on the Mount** ([Matthew 5:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/5#1-12)). Matthew says only that he went up a mountain. A hill above the north shore is the traditional spot.
  > At the sight of the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and when he had taken his seat, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and he taught them: “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for the kingdom of heaven is theirs. (Matthew 5:1-3)
- **The storm** ([Mark 4:35-41](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/4#35-41)). A squall fills the boat. Jesus is asleep in the stern, and wakes to still the wind.
  > He got up, rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, “Quiet! Be still!” Then the wind died down, and there was a great calm. (Mark 4:39)
- **Walking on the water** ([Matthew 14:22-33](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/14#22-33)). In the last hours of the night he comes to the disciples across the lake.
  > In the fourth watch of the night Jesus came toward them, walking on the sea. When the disciples saw him walking on the sea, they were terrified. “It is a ghost!” they said, and they cried out in fear. But Jesus spoke to them at once: “Take heart! It is I. Do not be afraid.” (Matthew 14:25-27)
- **Breakfast on the shore** ([John 21:1-19](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/21#1-19)). After the resurrection, Jesus cooks fish for the disciples and restores Peter.
  > Jesus said to them, “Come, eat breakfast.” Not one of the disciples dared to question him, “Who are you?” because they knew it was the Lord. (John 21:12)

#### Cana

A village in Galilee where Jesus turned water into wine at a wedding. Site uncertain. Two sites are proposed. The pin marks Kafr Kanna, the traditional one, 6 km from Nazareth. Many archaeologists prefer Khirbet Qana, a ruin about 13 km north of Nazareth. Today: The pin marks Kafr Kanna, a town in northern Israel. About 32.75° N, 35.34° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#cana

- **The wedding** ([John 2:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/2#1-11)). The wine runs out. Jesus has six stone jars filled with water, and it becomes wine.
  > This, the first of his signs, Jesus did at Cana in Galilee, and he revealed his glory, and his disciples believed in him. (John 2:11)

#### Magdala (Magadan, Taricheae)

A fishing town on the west shore of the lake. Mary Magdalene is named for it. Well-established site. Today: Migdal, on the west shore of the Sea of Galilee, in Israel. A 1st-century synagogue was found here in 2009. About 32.83° N, 35.52° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#magdala

- **Mary called Magdalene** ([Luke 8:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/8#1-3)). Luke lists her among the women who traveled with Jesus and paid for the work from their own means.
  > Soon afterward Jesus traveled from one town and village to another, proclaiming and bringing the good news of the kingdom of God. The Twelve were with him, and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and illnesses: Mary, called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out; (Luke 8:1-2)
- **First at the tomb** ([John 20:11-18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/20#11-18)). She is the first to see the risen Jesus, and the first sent to tell the others.
  > Mary Magdalene came to the disciples with the news: “I have seen the Lord!” And she told them what he had said to her. (John 20:18)

#### Bethsaida

A fishing town at the north end of the lake, the home of Philip, Andrew and Peter. Site uncertain. Two sites near the mouth of the Jordan are proposed: et-Tell (the pin) and el-Araj, closer to the shore. Digs continue at both. Today: The pin marks et-Tell, just north of the Sea of Galilee. About 32.91° N, 35.63° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#bethsaida

- **Home of three disciples** ([John 1:43-51](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/1#43-51)). John says Philip came from Bethsaida, the town of Andrew and Peter.
  > Philip came from Bethsaida, the hometown of Andrew and Peter. (John 1:44)
- **A blind man sees** ([Mark 8:22-26](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/8#22-26)). Jesus leads a blind man out of the village and heals him in two stages.
  > They came to Bethsaida, and some people brought a blind man to Jesus and begged him to touch him. He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the village. Then he spat on his eyes, laid his hands on him, and asked him, “Do you see anything?” The man looked up and said, “I see people, but they look like trees walking around.” Then Jesus laid his hands on his eyes again. The man looked intently, his sight was restored, and he saw everything clearly. (Mark 8:22-25)

#### The country of the Gerasenes (Gadarenes, Gergesenes)

The east side of the lake, where Jesus healed a man who lived among the tombs. Traditional site. The Gospels and their manuscripts give three names for this region. Kursi, on the east shore, is the traditional site, where a steep slope comes down near the water. Today: The pin marks Kursi, on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee. About 32.83° N, 35.65° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#gerasenes

- **The man among the tombs** ([Mark 5:1-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/5#1-20)). Jesus crosses the lake and frees a man no chain could hold. The man wants to follow, and Jesus sends him home to tell.
  > As he was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed by demons begged him to let him go with him. But Jesus did not let him. Instead he said to him, “Go home to your own people and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how he has had mercy on you.” (Mark 5:18-19)

#### Nain

A village about 9 km southeast of Nazareth, where Jesus raised a widow’s only son. Well-established site. Today: Nein, a village in northern Israel. About 32.63° N, 35.35° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#nain

- **The widow’s son** ([Luke 7:11-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/7#11-17)). Jesus meets a funeral at the town gate, has compassion on the mother, and tells the young man to rise.
  > When the Lord saw her, he had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” Then he went up and touched the bier, and those carrying it stood still. He said, “Young man, I tell you, get up!” The dead man sat up and began to speak, and Jesus gave him back to his mother. (Luke 7:13-15)

#### Mount Tabor

A round hill standing alone at the edge of the Jezreel valley. Deborah and Barak gathered Israel’s army here. Well-established site. The mountain itself is certain, and Judges names it. The Gospels do not name the mountain of the transfiguration. Tabor is the tradition since the 4th century. Many readers think Mount Hermon fits the story better. Today: Mount Tabor, in northern Israel, 575 m high. About 32.69° N, 35.39° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-tabor

- **Deborah and Barak** ([Judges 4:4-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/judges/4#4-16)). Ten thousand men come down from Tabor against Sisera’s chariots.
  > Then Deborah said to Barak, “Get up! This is the day on which Yahweh has given Sisera into your hand. Has not Yahweh gone out ahead of you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men following him. (Judges 4:14)
- **The transfiguration (traditional site)** ([Matthew 17:1-9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/17#1-9)). Jesus takes Peter, James and John up a high mountain, and his face shines like the sun.
  > Six days later Jesus took with him Peter, James, and John his brother, and led them up a high mountain by themselves. There he was transfigured before them. His face shone like the sun, and his clothes became as white as the light. (Matthew 17:1-2)

#### Mount Carmel

A long wooded ridge that runs to the sea. Elijah faced the prophets of Baal here. Well-established site. Carmel is a ridge about 25 km long. The Bible does not say where on it Elijah built the altar. The pin marks el-Muhraqa, the traditional spot at the southeast end. Today: Mount Carmel, beside the city of Haifa in northern Israel. About 32.67° N, 35.09° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-carmel

- **Elijah and the fire** ([1 Kings 18:20-39](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-kings/18#20-39)). Elijah rebuilds the altar of the Lord, soaks it with water, and prays. Fire falls.
  > Then fire from Yahweh fell and devoured the burnt offering, the wood, the stones, and the soil, and it lapped up the water in the trench. All the people saw it and fell facedown, and they said, “Yahweh—he is God! Yahweh—he is God!” (1 Kings 18:38-39)

#### Mount of Beatitudes

A hill above the north shore of the lake, the traditional place of the Sermon on the Mount. Traditional site. Matthew says only that Jesus “went up the mountain”, and Luke tells of a “level place”. This hill above the north shore, near Capernaum, has been the traditional site since at least the 4th century. Today: A church and garden on a hill between Capernaum and Tabgha, in northern Israel. About 32.88° N, 35.56° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-of-beatitudes

- **The Sermon on the Mount** ([Matthew 5:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/5#1-12)). Seeing the crowds, Jesus goes up the mountain, sits down, and begins to teach: blessed are the poor in spirit.
  > At the sight of the crowds, Jesus went up the mountain, and when he had taken his seat, his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak, and he taught them: (Matthew 5:1-2)

#### Tabgha (Heptapegon, Seven Springs)

Warm springs on the north-west shore of the lake, where pilgrims remember the feeding of the five thousand. Traditional site. The Gospels place the feeding of the five thousand in a lonely place by the lake. Luke links it with Bethsaida, on the north-east shore, and John says it was on the far side. Since the 4th century pilgrims have remembered it at Tabgha, on the north-west shore. Today: Tabgha, on the Sea of Galilee about 3 km west of Capernaum, with the Church of the Multiplication. About 32.87° N, 35.55° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#tabgha

- **Five thousand fed** ([Mark 6:30-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/6#30-44)). With five loaves and two fish, Jesus gives thanks, breaks the bread, and everyone eats until they are full.
  > Taking the five loaves and the two fish, he looked up to heaven and said a blessing. Then he broke the loaves and kept giving them to his disciples to set before the people, and he divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied, (Mark 6:41-42)

#### Gennesaret

A small, fertile plain on the north-west shore of the lake, between Magdala and Capernaum. The lake was also named for it. Well-established site. Today: The plain of Ginosar, on the Sea of Galilee, in Israel. About 32.85° N, 35.52° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#gennesaret

- **Landing after the storm** ([Mark 6:53-56](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/6#53-56)). After Jesus walks on the water, the boat comes to land here, and people bring the sick to touch his cloak.
  > When they had crossed over, they came to land at Gennesaret and anchored there. (Mark 6:53)

#### Chorazin (Korazim)

A town in the hills about 4 km north of Capernaum. Jesus did many of his mighty works here and in Bethsaida. Well-established site. Today: The basalt ruins of Korazim, in northern Israel. About 32.91° N, 35.56° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#chorazin

- **Woe to you, Chorazin** ([Matthew 11:20-24](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/11#20-24)). Jesus grieves over the lake towns that saw his works and did not turn.
  > “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works that happened among you had happened in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago, in sackcloth and ashes. (Matthew 11:21)

### Samaria

#### Sychar (Jacob’s well, near Shechem)

A town in Samaria between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where Jesus spoke with a woman at Jacob’s well. Well-established site. Jacob’s well is one of the most securely located sites in the Gospels. The village of Sychar itself was nearby, most likely at Askar. Today: The well is on the edge of Nablus, in the West Bank. About 32.21° N, 35.29° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#sychar

- **The woman at the well** ([John 4:1-42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/4#1-42)). Tired from the road, Jesus asks a Samaritan woman for a drink and offers her living water.
  > Jesus answered her, “All who drink from this water will get thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I will give him will not be thirsty ever again. Instead, the water I give him will become a spring of water within him, leaping up to eternal life.” (John 4:13-14)

#### Shiloh

Where the tent of meeting stood before there was a temple. Hannah prayed here, and Samuel grew up here. Well-established site. Today: Khirbet Seilun, in the West Bank. About 32.06° N, 35.29° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#shiloh

- **The tent of meeting is set up** ([Joshua 18:1-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/18#1-10)). After entering the land, all Israel gathers here and sets up the tent.
  > Then the whole congregation of the Israelites assembled at Shiloh and set up the tent of meeting there. The land lay subdued before them. (Joshua 18:1)
- **Samuel hears his name** ([1 Samuel 3:1-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-samuel/3#1-21)). The boy Samuel, sleeping in the house of the Lord, hears a voice in the night.
  > Yahweh came and stood there and called as he had before, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.” (1 Samuel 3:10)

#### Bethel (Luz)

Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven. The name means “house of God”. Well-established site. Most scholars place Bethel at Beitin (the pin). A few argue for el-Bireh, about 3 km southwest. Today: Usually identified with Beitin, in the West Bank, about 17 km north of Jerusalem. About 31.93° N, 35.24° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#bethel

- **Jacob’s dream** ([Genesis 28:10-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/genesis/28#10-22)). Running from his brother, Jacob sleeps with a stone for a pillow and sees angels going up and down.
  > Then Jacob woke up from his sleep and said, “Surely Yahweh is in this place, and I did not know it.” He was afraid and said, “How awesome this place is! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” (Genesis 28:16-17)

### Jerusalem and Judea

#### Jerusalem (Zion, the city of David)

The city of the temple. David made it his capital, Solomon built the temple here, and here Jesus was crucified and rose. Well-established site. Today: Jerusalem. The old city still stands on the same hills, about 750 m above the sea. About 31.78° N, 35.24° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#jerusalem

- **David takes the city** ([2 Samuel 5:6-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/5#6-10)). About a thousand years before Jesus, David captures the hill fort of Zion and makes it his capital.
  > Nevertheless, David captured the fortress of Zion, which is now the City of David. (2 Samuel 5:7)
- **The child Jesus is brought to the temple** ([Luke 2:22-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#22-38)). Forty days after the birth, Mary and Joseph bring him from Bethlehem to present him to the Lord.
  > When the time for their purification under the law of Moses had run its course, they took him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (Luke 2:22)
- **Jesus rides in** ([Luke 19:28-40](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/19#28-40)). He comes down from the Mount of Olives on a colt, and the crowd shouts for a king.
  > As he was now approaching the place where the road goes down the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God joyfully with a loud voice for all the miracles they had seen. They said, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven, and glory in the highest!” (Luke 19:37-38)
- **The cross** ([Luke 23:26-49](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/23#26-49)). Jesus is crucified outside the city wall, at a place called the Skull.
  > When they reached the spot known as the Skull, they crucified him there, and the criminals too, one at his right hand and the other at his left. (Luke 23:33)
- **The empty tomb** ([Luke 24:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/24#1-12)). At dawn on the first day of the week, the women find the stone rolled away.
  > Terrified, the women bent their faces toward the ground, and the men said to them, “Why are you searching among the dead for the one who is alive? He is not here; he has been raised! Think back to what he told you while he was still in Galilee, (Luke 24:5-6)
- **Pentecost** ([Acts 2:1-41](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/2#1-41)). Fifty days later the Holy Spirit comes on the disciples, and the church begins here.
  > When the day of Pentecost came around, all of them were together in the same place. All at once there came from heaven a noise like a strong wind rushing along, and it filled the entire house where they were seated. There appeared to them tongues like fire, parting and settling on each one of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Spirit gave them words to utter. (Acts 2:1-4)

#### Bethlehem (Ephrathah, the city of David)

A small town in the hills of Judah, about 9 km south of Jerusalem. David grew up here, and Jesus was born here. Well-established site. Today: Bethlehem, a city in the West Bank. About 31.71° N, 35.20° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#bethlehem

- **Ruth comes to Bethlehem** ([Ruth 1:19-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ruth/1#19-22)). Naomi comes home from Moab with Ruth, her daughter-in-law, as the barley harvest begins.
  > That is how Naomi came back, with Ruth the Moabite, her daughter-in-law, who returned with her from the territory of Moab. They arrived in Bethlehem just as the barley harvest was beginning. (Ruth 1:22)
- **David is anointed** ([1 Samuel 16:1-13](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-samuel/16#1-13)). Samuel is sent to the house of Jesse and anoints the youngest son, a shepherd.
  > So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and the Spirit of Yahweh rushed upon David from that day on. Then Samuel set out and went to Ramah. (1 Samuel 16:13)
- **The promise** ([Micah 5:2-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/micah/5#2-5)). The prophet Micah names this town as the place a ruler of Israel will come from.
  > But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too small to be among the clans of Judah, from you one will come out for me to be ruler in Israel, one whose origins go back to the distant past, to ancient days. (Micah 5:2)
- **Jesus is born** ([Luke 2:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#1-7)). Joseph and Mary come from Nazareth to be registered. While they are here, the child is born and laid in a manger.
  > While they were staying there, her time came to give birth, and she bore a son, her firstborn. She wrapped him in strips of cloth and laid him down in a manger, since the guest room had no space for them. (Luke 2:6-7)
- **The magi arrive** ([Matthew 2:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/2#1-12)). Men from the east follow a star to the house and bow before the child.
  > They went into the house and saw the child with Mary his mother, and falling down, they worshiped him. Then they opened their treasure chests and brought him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

#### The shepherds’ fields

Open country near Bethlehem where shepherds were keeping watch on the night Jesus was born. Traditional site. Luke says only “in that same region”. The fields east of Bethlehem, near Beit Sahour, have been pointed out since at least the 4th century. Today: Around Beit Sahour, just east of Bethlehem, in the West Bank. About 31.70° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#shepherds-fields

- **The angel and the shepherds** ([Luke 2:8-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/2#8-20)). An angel tells shepherds that a Savior has been born in the city of David. They go to see.
  > There were shepherds in that same area who were staying out in the open country, standing guard over their flock through the night. Then an angel of the Lord stood over them, the Lord’s glory shone all around them, and they were struck with great fear. The angel told them, “Do not be afraid, for look, I am proclaiming to you good news of great joy that will belong to all the people: this very day in David’s city a Savior has been born for you. He is the Messiah, the Lord. (Luke 2:8-11)

#### The hill country of Judah (The home of Zechariah and Elizabeth)

Where Mary went to visit Elizabeth, and where John the Baptist was born. Traditional site. Luke names no town, only “a town in Judah” in the hill country. Ein Karem, west of Jerusalem, has been the traditional site since about the 6th century. Today: The pin marks Ein Karem, now a neighborhood on the west side of Jerusalem. About 31.77° N, 35.16° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#hill-country-of-judah

- **Mary visits Elizabeth** ([Luke 1:39-56](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/1#39-56)). Mary goes from Nazareth to her relative Elizabeth, stays about three months, and sings her song of praise.
  > In those days Mary set out and traveled quickly into the hill country, to a town of Judah, and there she went into Zechariah’s house and gave her greeting to Elizabeth. (Luke 1:39-40)

#### Bethany

The village of Mary, Martha and Lazarus, on the far side of the Mount of Olives, about 3 km from Jerusalem. Well-established site. Today: Al-Eizariya, in the West Bank. The Arabic name comes from Lazarus. About 31.77° N, 35.26° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#bethany

- **Lazarus is raised** ([John 11:1-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/11#1-44)). Jesus comes four days after his friend has died, weeps at the tomb, and calls him out.
  > After saying this, he shouted at the top of his voice, “Lazarus, come out here!” The dead man came out with his feet and hands tied with strips of cloth, and his face was bound up in a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Untie him and let him go on his way.” (John 11:43-44)
- **Mary anoints Jesus** ([John 12:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/12#1-8)). Six days before the Passover, at a dinner here, Mary pours costly perfume on his feet.
  > Then Mary took a pound of very expensive perfume made of pure nard, anointed Jesus’ feet, and wiped his feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the fragrance of the perfume. (John 12:3)
- **The ascension** ([Luke 24:50-53](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/24#50-53)). Luke says Jesus led the disciples out as far as Bethany, blessed them, and was taken up.
  > He led them out until they were near Bethany, and raising his hands he blessed them. In the act of blessing them, he withdrew from them and was lifted up into heaven. (Luke 24:50-51)

#### Emmaus

The village two disciples were walking to on the day of the resurrection when Jesus joined them on the road. Site uncertain. The site is not settled. Luke puts it about 60 stadia (11 km) from Jerusalem. The pin marks Emmaus Nicopolis, the oldest tradition, which is farther (about 30 km). Others propose el-Qubeibeh, Abu Ghosh, or Motza. Today: The pin marks the ruins of Emmaus Nicopolis, near Latrun, west of Jerusalem. About 31.84° N, 34.99° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#emmaus

- **On the road** ([Luke 24:13-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/24#13-35)). A stranger walks with two disciples and explains the Scriptures. They know him when he breaks the bread.
  > As he reclined to eat with them, he took the bread, said a blessing, broke it, and handed it to them. Then their eyes were opened wide and they knew him, and he disappeared from their view. (Luke 24:30-31)

#### Jericho

An oasis town in the Jordan valley, about 250 m below sea level. The road up to Jerusalem climbs about 1,000 m in 25 km. Well-established site. Today: Jericho, in the West Bank. The Old Testament mound and the town of Jesus’s day are about 2 km apart. About 31.86° N, 35.44° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#jericho

- **The walls fall** ([Joshua 6:1-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/6#1-21)). Israel marches around the city for seven days. On the seventh, the wall falls.
  > So the people shouted, and the trumpets were blown. When the people heard the sound of the trumpet, the people gave a great shout, and the wall fell down flat. The people went up into the city, each man straight ahead, and they captured the city. (Joshua 6:20)
- **Bartimaeus** ([Mark 10:46-52](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/10#46-52)). A blind beggar by the road calls out to Jesus and will not be quieted.
  > Jesus answered him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man replied, “Rabbouni, let me see again.” Jesus told him, “Go. Your faith has made you well.” Right away his sight returned, and he began following him on the road. (Mark 10:51-52)
- **Zacchaeus** ([Luke 19:1-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/19#1-10)). A rich tax collector climbs a tree to see Jesus, and Jesus invites himself to his house.
  > Jesus said to him, “Today salvation has come to this house, because he too is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:9-10)

#### The wilderness of Judea

Dry, steep country between the hills of Judah and the Dead Sea. John preached here, and Jesus fasted here for forty days. Well-established site. The wilderness is a region, not a spot. The Gospels do not say where in it Jesus was. A hill above Jericho is the traditional Mount of Temptation. Today: The Judean Desert, east of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. About 31.70° N, 35.37° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#wilderness-of-judea

- **John preaches** ([Matthew 3:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/3#1-12)). John the Baptist calls people to repent, and crowds come out from Jerusalem and all Judea.
  > In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” (Matthew 3:1-2)
- **Jesus is tested** ([Matthew 4:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/4#1-11)). After his baptism, Jesus fasts for forty days and is tempted by the devil.
  > Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry. (Matthew 4:1-2)

#### Hebron (Kiriath-arba, Mamre)

A town in the high hills of Judah. Abraham lived near here and buried Sarah here, and David was first made king here. Well-established site. Today: Hebron, in the West Bank. About 31.53° N, 35.10° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#hebron

- **Abraham buries Sarah** ([Genesis 23:1-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/genesis/23#1-20)). Abraham buys a field and a cave from Ephron the Hittite. It is the first land he owns in Canaan.
  > After this, Abraham buried his wife Sarah in the cave of the field of Machpelah near Mamre (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan. (Genesis 23:19)
- **David is made king** ([2 Samuel 5:1-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/2-samuel/5#1-5)). The elders of Israel come to David at Hebron and anoint him king over all Israel.
  > So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made a covenant with them at Hebron before Yahweh, and they anointed David king over Israel. (2 Samuel 5:3)

#### The Dead Sea (The Salt Sea, the Sea of the Arabah)

The lowest lake on earth, where the Jordan ends. The Bible calls it the Salt Sea. Well-established site. Today: Its surface is now more than 430 m below sea level and falling. The map draws its older, higher shore, closer to the lake the Bible’s writers knew. About 31.50° N, 35.48° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#dead-sea

- **The Salt Sea** ([Genesis 14:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/genesis/14#1-12)). Genesis names it in the story of the kings who fought in the valley beside it.
  > All these joined forces in the Valley of Siddim (that is, the Salt Sea). (Genesis 14:3)
- **Ezekiel’s river** ([Ezekiel 47:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ezekiel/47#1-12)). The prophet sees water flowing from the temple down to this sea and making it fresh.
  > He said to me, “This water flows out toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah. It enters the sea, and when it flows into the sea, the water there will be healed. Wherever the river goes, every living creature that swarms will live, and there will be a great many fish, because this water goes there, and the waters are healed. So everything will live wherever the river goes. (Ezekiel 47:8-9)

#### The temple (Herod’s temple, the temple courts)

The great platform Herod built round the temple. Jesus taught in its courts every day of his last week. Well-established site. Today: The Temple Mount, or Haram al-Sharif, in the Old City. Its retaining walls, including the Western Wall, are Herod’s. About 31.78° N, 35.24° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#temple

- **He clears the temple** ([Mark 11:15-19](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/11#15-19)). Jesus drives out the sellers and overturns the tables of the money changers.
  > Then he taught them and said, “Is it not written, ‘My house will be called a house of prayer for all the nations’? But you have made it a den of robbers.” (Mark 11:17)
- **The widow’s offering** ([Mark 12:41-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/12#41-44)). Sitting opposite the treasury, he watches a poor widow put in two small coins, all she had.
  > Calling his disciples to him, he said to them, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury. For they all gave out of their surplus, but she, out of her poverty, put in everything she had, all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:43-44)

#### Mount of Olives (Olivet)

The ridge east of the city, across the Kidron Valley, looking straight down on the temple. Bethany is on its far side. Well-established site. Today: The Mount of Olives, east of the Old City, about 820 m high. About 31.78° N, 35.24° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-of-olives

- **He weeps over the city** ([Luke 19:41-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/19#41-44)). Coming over the hill on the colt, Jesus sees the city and weeps over it.
  > As he came near and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If only you had known on this day, even you, the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. (Luke 19:41-42)
- **Facing the temple** ([Mark 13:1-37](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/13#1-37)). Sitting here opposite the temple, he tells four disciples what is coming and tells them to keep watch.
  > As he was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the temple, Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked him privately, (Mark 13:3)
- **Taken up** ([Acts 1:6-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/1#6-12)). Forty days after the resurrection the disciples come back to the city from this hill.
  > Then they went back to Jerusalem from the mountain called the Mount of Olives, which is close to Jerusalem, within a Sabbath day’s journey. (Acts 1:12)

#### Bethphage

A village on the Mount of Olives, near Bethany, where the disciples found the colt. Traditional site. The Gospels place Bethphage near Bethany on the Mount of Olives, but no remains of the village have been found for certain. The pin marks the Franciscan church that remembers it, on the east slope. Today: The pin marks the Church of Bethphage, in the village of et-Tur. About 31.78° N, 35.25° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#bethphage

- **The colt** ([Mark 11:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/11#1-7)). Jesus sends two disciples into the village ahead to bring a colt no one has ridden.
  > As they approached Jerusalem, at Bethphage and Bethany near the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two of his disciples and said to them, “Go into the village ahead of you. As soon as you enter it, you will find a colt tied there that no one has ever sat on. Untie it and bring it. (Mark 11:1-2)

#### Gethsemane

An olive garden at the foot of the Mount of Olives, across the Kidron from the temple, where Jesus prayed on his last night. Traditional site. John says the garden was across the Kidron Valley, and Luke says it was on the Mount of Olives, so the area is clear. The exact spot is traditional: the Church of All Nations, by an old olive grove at the foot of the hill. Today: The Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, just east of the Old City. About 31.78° N, 35.24° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#gethsemane

- **Not my will** ([Mark 14:32-42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/14#32-42)). He prays three times while the disciples sleep: take this cup from me, yet not what I want.
  > He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for you. Take this cup away from me. Yet not what I want, but what you want.” (Mark 14:36)
- **The arrest** ([Mark 14:43-52](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/14#43-52)). Judas comes with a crowd carrying swords and clubs, and greets him with a kiss.
  > Now the betrayer had given them a signal: “The one I kiss is the man. Arrest him and lead him away under guard.” As soon as he arrived, he went up to Jesus and said, “Rabbi!” and kissed him. (Mark 14:44-45)

#### The upper room (The Cenacle)

The room where Jesus ate the Passover with the twelve on the night he was betrayed. Traditional site. Mark says only “a large upstairs room” in the city. Since at least the 4th century it has been remembered on the south-west hill, now called Mount Zion. The room shown there today was built in the Middle Ages. Today: The pin marks the Cenacle on Mount Zion, just outside the Old City walls. About 31.77° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#upper-room

- **The Last Supper** ([Luke 22:7-23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/22#7-23)). He takes bread, gives thanks, breaks it and gives it to them: this is my body.
  > Then he took bread, and after giving thanks he broke it and gave it to them, saying, “This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” (Luke 22:19)

#### The high priest’s house (The house of Caiaphas)

Where Jesus was taken that night, questioned by the council, and denied three times by Peter in the courtyard. Site uncertain. The Gospels name Caiaphas but not where he lived. Two sites are shown: the church of St Peter in Gallicantu, on the east slope of Mount Zion (the pin), and an Armenian site near the Cenacle. Many think the high priests lived in the wealthy Upper City, further north. Today: The pin marks St Peter in Gallicantu, on the slope below Mount Zion. About 31.77° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#high-priests-house

- **Before the council** ([Mark 14:53-65](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/14#53-65)). They lead Jesus to the high priest, and the chief priests, elders and scribes gather.
  > They led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests, the elders, and the scribes came together. (Mark 14:53)
- **Peter weeps** ([Luke 22:54-62](https://www.lumin.faith/read/luke/22#54-62)). In the courtyard Peter denies him three times. The rooster crows, and the Lord turns and looks at him.
  > The Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the rooster crows today, you will deny me three times.” He went outside and wept bitterly. (Luke 22:61-62)

#### Herod’s palace (The praetorium (one proposal))

Herod’s great palace by the western wall. Many scholars think Pilate judged Jesus here. Site uncertain. Where Pilate judged Jesus is disputed. Many scholars think he used Herod’s palace on the west side of the city, as Roman governors did (the pin). The older tradition, followed by the Via Dolorosa, puts it at the Antonia fortress beside the temple. Today: The Tower of David citadel by Jaffa Gate stands on part of the palace’s north end. About 31.78° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#herods-palace

- **Before Pilate** ([John 18:28-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/18#28-38)). At dawn they take Jesus from Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. Pilate asks if he is the king of the Jews.
  > Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not go into the headquarters, so that they would not become unclean but could eat the Passover. (John 18:28)
- **The Stone Pavement** ([John 19:13-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/19#13-16)). Pilate sits on the judgment seat at a place called Gabbatha and hands Jesus over to be crucified.
  > When Pilate heard these words, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called the Stone Pavement, which in Aramaic is Gabbatha. (John 19:13)

#### Antonia fortress (The praetorium (traditional site))

A Roman fortress at the corner of the temple platform, where soldiers watched the crowds. The traditional place of Jesus’s trial. Site uncertain. The fortress itself is known: it stood at the north-west corner of the temple platform. That Pilate judged Jesus here is a tradition, and the Via Dolorosa begins here because of it. Many scholars prefer Herod’s palace. Today: The site is a school and churches at the start of the Via Dolorosa, in the Old City. About 31.78° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#antonia

- **Mocked by the soldiers** ([Mark 15:16-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/15#16-20)). Soldiers take him into the praetorium, dress him in purple, and put a crown of thorns on his head.
  > The soldiers led him away into the courtyard, that is, the Praetorium, and they called together the whole cohort. They dressed him in purple, twisted together a crown of thorns, and put it on him. (Mark 15:16-17)
- **Paul in the barracks** ([Acts 21:30-40](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/21#30-40)). Years later, Roman soldiers rescue Paul from a crowd in the temple and carry him up the steps into the barracks.
  > When Paul reached the steps, he had to be carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the mob, for the crowd of people kept following, shouting, “Away with him!” (Acts 21:35-36)

#### Golgotha (Calvary, the Place of the Skull)

The place outside the city wall where Jesus was crucified, and the new tomb in the garden nearby. Traditional site. The Gospels say it was outside the city and near it, with a garden tomb close by. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has marked the place since the 4th century. It is inside today’s walls, but digs show it was outside the wall of Jesus’s day, in an old quarry with tombs. Most archaeologists think it the likeliest site. Today: The pin marks the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, in the Old City. About 31.78° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#golgotha

- **The cross** ([John 19:16-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/19#16-30)). Carrying the cross himself, he goes out to the Place of the Skull, and there they crucify him.
  > and carrying the cross by himself, he went out to what is called the Place of the Skull, which in Aramaic is called Golgotha. (John 19:17)
- **A new tomb in a garden** ([John 19:38-42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/19#38-42)). Joseph and Nicodemus lay his body in a new tomb in a garden near the place he died.
  > Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. (John 19:41)
- **He is not here** ([Mark 16:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/16#1-8)). Early on the first day of the week the women find the stone rolled back and a young man in white.
  > He said to them, “Do not be so alarmed. You are seeking Jesus the Nazarene, the one who was crucified. He has been raised; he is not here. Look, here is the place where they laid him. (Mark 16:6)

#### The Garden Tomb (Gordon’s Calvary)

A rock-cut tomb in a garden north of Damascus Gate, proposed in the 19th century as the tomb of Jesus. Site uncertain. Proposed in the 1880s as Golgotha and the tomb, because a cliff nearby looks like a skull. Most archaeologists date the tomb centuries before Jesus, so not a “new tomb”, and favour the Holy Sepulchre. Many visitors still find it a quiet place to picture the story. Today: The Garden Tomb, a garden just north of the Old City. About 31.78° N, 35.23° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#garden-tomb

- **A garden and a tomb** ([John 19:38-42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/john/19#38-42)). John says there was a garden where Jesus was crucified, and in it a new tomb.
  > Now in the place where he was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new tomb in which no one had yet been laid. (John 19:41)

### The coast

#### Caesarea (Caesarea Maritima)

The Roman capital of Judea, a harbor city built by Herod the Great. The gospel first went to Gentiles here. Well-established site. Today: Ruins on the coast of Israel, between Tel Aviv and Haifa. About 32.50° N, 34.89° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#caesarea

- **Peter and Cornelius** ([Acts 10:1-48](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/10#1-48)). A Roman centurion sends for Peter, and Peter sees that God shows no favoritism.
  > Then Peter began to speak: “I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him. (Acts 10:34-35)
- **Paul before the governor** ([Acts 25:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/25#1-12)). Paul is held here for two years, and makes his defense before Felix, Festus and Agrippa.
  > If I am guilty and have done anything that deserves death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing to the charges these men are bringing against me, no one can hand me over to them. I appeal to Caesar.” Then Festus, after conferring with his council, answered, “You have appealed to Caesar; to Caesar you will go.” (Acts 25:11-12)

#### Joppa

An old harbor town. Jonah sailed from here, and Peter saw his vision on a rooftop here. Well-established site. Today: Jaffa, the old port at the south end of Tel Aviv. About 32.05° N, 34.75° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#joppa

- **Jonah runs** ([Jonah 1:1-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/jonah/1#1-17)). Told to go east to Nineveh, Jonah goes down to Joppa and finds a ship going west.
  > But Jonah got up to flee to Tarshish, away from the presence of Yahweh. He went down to Joppa and found a ship bound for Tarshish. He paid the fare and went down into it to go with them to Tarshish, away from the presence of Yahweh. (Jonah 1:3)
- **Tabitha** ([Acts 9:36-43](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/9#36-43)). A disciple known for her kindness to the poor dies, and Peter prays and tells her to get up.
  > Peter sent them all out of the room, knelt down, and prayed. Then he turned to the body and said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter, she sat up. He gave her his hand and helped her up. Then he called the saints and the widows and presented her to them alive. (Acts 9:40-41)
- **Peter’s vision** ([Acts 10:9-23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/10#9-23)). Praying on the roof at noon, Peter sees a sheet let down from heaven.
  > Then a voice said to him, “Get up, Peter. Kill and eat.” But Peter said, “By no means, Lord! I have never eaten anything impure or unclean.” The voice spoke to him a second time: “What God has made clean, you must not call impure.” (Acts 10:13-15)

#### Gaza

One of the five Philistine cities, on the coast road between Egypt and the north. Well-established site. Today: Gaza City, in the Gaza Strip. About 31.52° N, 34.45° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#gaza

- **Samson** ([Judges 16:21-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/judges/16#21-30)). Blinded and set to grind in the prison at Gaza, Samson prays one last time.
  > Then Samson called out to Yahweh: “Lord Yahweh, please remember me. Please strengthen me just this once, O God, so that with one blow I may take revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.” (Judges 16:28)
- **Philip and the Ethiopian** ([Acts 8:26-40](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/8#26-40)). An angel sends Philip to the desert road from Jerusalem to Gaza, where he meets an official reading Isaiah.
  > Then an angel of the Lord said to Philip, “Get up and go south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.” This is a desert road. So he got up and went. And there was an Ethiopian man, a eunuch, a court official of Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who was in charge of all her treasury. He had come to Jerusalem to worship (Acts 8:26-27)

### The Jordan and beyond

#### The Jordan, where John baptized (Bethany beyond the Jordan)

The lower Jordan, east of Jericho. Israel crossed into the land near here, and Jesus was baptized in this river. Traditional site. John’s Gospel says John was baptizing at “Bethany beyond the Jordan”. Its location is not certain. The pin marks the traditional site east of Jericho, kept since at least the 4th century. Today: Al-Maghtas on the east bank, in Jordan, and Qasr al-Yahud on the west bank. About 31.84° N, 35.55° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#jordan-baptism

- **Israel crosses** ([Joshua 3:9-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/joshua/3#9-17)). The river stops, and the people cross on dry ground opposite Jericho.
  > The priests carrying the ark of the covenant of Yahweh stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, while all Israel crossed over on dry ground, until the whole nation had finished crossing the Jordan. (Joshua 3:17)
- **Jesus is baptized** ([Mark 1:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/1#1-11)). Jesus comes from Nazareth and is baptized by John. A voice from heaven calls him the beloved Son.
  > At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan. The moment he came up from the water, he saw the heavens splitting open and the Spirit, like a dove, coming down on him. Then a voice came out of the heavens: “You are my Son, whom I dearly love; in you I delight.” (Mark 1:9-11)

#### Mount Nebo

A ridge east of the Jordan that looks across to Jericho. Moses saw the promised land from here and died. Well-established site. Today: In Jordan, near the town of Madaba. About 31.77° N, 35.73° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-nebo

- **Moses sees the land** ([Deuteronomy 34:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/deuteronomy/34#1-8)). The Lord shows Moses the whole land. He dies here, and no one knows his grave.
  > Then Yahweh said to him, “This is the land I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob when I said, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross over into it.” So Moses the servant of Yahweh died there in the land of Moab, as Yahweh had said. (Deuteronomy 34:4-5)

### The north

#### Tyre

A great Phoenician port. Its king sent cedar for Solomon’s temple, and Jesus once came to its district. Well-established site. Today: Tyre (Sour), a city in southern Lebanon. About 33.27° N, 35.20° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#tyre

- **A mother’s faith** ([Mark 7:24-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/7#24-30)). In the region of Tyre, a Gentile woman begs Jesus to heal her daughter and will not be turned away.
  > Jesus got up and left there and went to the region of Tyre. He entered a house and did not want anyone to know it, but he could not escape notice. Immediately a woman whose little daughter had an unclean spirit heard about him, and she came and fell at his feet. The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged him to drive the demon out of her daughter. (Mark 7:24-26)

#### Caesarea Philippi (Paneas)

A town at a spring of the Jordan, at the foot of Mount Hermon. Peter made his confession near here. Well-established site. Today: Banias, in the Golan Heights. About 33.25° N, 35.69° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#caesarea-philippi

- **Who do you say I am?** ([Matthew 16:13-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/16#13-20)). Jesus asks the disciples who people say he is, and then who they say he is.
  > He said to them, “And you—who do you say I am?” Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” (Matthew 16:15-16)

#### Mount Hermon

The highest mountain in the land, 2,814 m, with snow most of the year. The Jordan rises at its foot. Well-established site. Today: On the border of Lebanon and Syria. About 33.42° N, 35.86° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-hermon

- **The dew of Hermon** ([Psalm 133:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/psalm/133#1-3)). A psalm compares unity among brothers to the dew of this mountain.
  > It is like the dew of Hermon, which comes down on the mountains of Zion. For there Yahweh has commanded the blessing: life forevermore. (Psalm 133:3)

#### Damascus

An ancient city on the edge of the desert. Saul was on the road here when he met the risen Jesus. Well-established site. Today: Damascus, the capital of Syria. About 33.51° N, 36.29° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#damascus

- **The road to Damascus** ([Acts 9:1-19](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/9#1-19)). Near the city, a light from heaven flashes around Saul and a voice asks why he is persecuting him.
  > As he was traveling and approaching Damascus, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me?” He asked, “Who are you, Lord?” He replied, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. (Acts 9:3-5)

#### Sidon

An old Phoenician port on the coast north of Tyre. Jesus passed through its region on his way back to the lake. Well-established site. Today: Saida, a city in southern Lebanon. About 33.56° N, 35.38° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#sidon

- **Back by a long road** ([Mark 7:31-37](https://www.lumin.faith/read/mark/7#31-37)). From the region of Tyre, Jesus goes north through Sidon and round to the Decapolis, east of the lake.
  > Then Jesus left the region of Tyre again and went through Sidon to the Sea of Galilee, through the region of the Decapolis. (Mark 7:31)
- **Paul’s friends at Sidon** ([Acts 27:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/27#1-3)). On the voyage to Rome, the centurion lets Paul go ashore here to see his friends.
  > The next day we landed at Sidon. Julius treated Paul kindly and allowed him to go to his friends so they could provide for his needs. (Acts 27:3)

### The south and Egypt

#### Beersheba

A town of wells on the edge of the desert. “From Dan to Beersheba” meant the whole land, north to south. Well-established site. Today: Tel Be’er Sheva, beside the modern city of Beersheba in southern Israel. About 31.25° N, 34.84° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#beersheba

- **Abraham’s well** ([Genesis 21:22-34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/genesis/21#22-34)). Abraham and Abimelech swear an oath over a well, and Abraham calls on the name of the Lord.
  > That is why that place was called Beersheba, because there the two of them swore an oath. So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of Yahweh, the Everlasting God. (Genesis 21:31-33)
- **Elijah runs** ([1 Kings 19:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-kings/19#1-8)). Afraid for his life, Elijah comes to Beersheba and goes a day farther into the wilderness.
  > Seeing this, he rose and fled to save himself. He reached Beersheba, in Judah’s territory, and left his servant there. He himself went a day’s walk into the wilderness, where he came to a broom tree and sat down under it. He asked for death: “Enough! Now, Yahweh, take my life, since I am no better than my ancestors.” (1 Kings 19:3-4)

#### Egypt

The land Israel left in the exodus, and where Joseph took Mary and the child to escape Herod. Site uncertain. Matthew says only “Egypt”. He names no town, and no one knows where the family stayed. Later traditions name several places. The label sits in the eastern Nile delta, the nearest part of Egypt. Today: The label sits at the eastern edge of the Nile delta. The old frontier post on the coast road was Pelusium. About 30.72° N, 31.98° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#egypt

- **Jacob’s family goes down** ([Genesis 46:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/genesis/46#1-7)). In a famine, Jacob and his whole family move to Egypt, where Joseph has become governor.
  > He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for I will make you into a great nation there. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I myself will surely bring you back up again. And Joseph’s own hand will close your eyes.” (Genesis 46:3-4)
- **The flight to Egypt** ([Matthew 2:13-18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/matthew/2#13-18)). Warned in a dream, Joseph takes the child and his mother by night and stays until Herod dies.
  > Once they had left, an angel of the Lord suddenly appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Get up! Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt, and stay there until I give you word, because Herod is about to hunt for the child to destroy him.” So Joseph got up, and during the night he took the child and his mother and went away to Egypt. He remained there until Herod died, so that the word spoken by the Lord through the prophet would be fulfilled: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” (Matthew 2:13-15)

#### Rameses (Raamses, Pi-Ramesses)

A royal city in the eastern Nile delta, in or near the land of Goshen where Jacob’s family settled. Israel built it as slaves, and set out from it. Well-established site. Today: The ruins of Pi-Ramesses, the city of Ramesses II, under fields around the village of Qantir in Egypt. About 30.80° N, 31.83° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#rameses

- **Israel settles in Goshen** ([Genesis 47:27-31](https://www.lumin.faith/read/genesis/47#27-31)). Jacob’s family settles in the land of Goshen, in the east of the delta, and grows into a people.
  > Israel settled in the land of Egypt, in the land of Goshen. They acquired property there and were fruitful and increased greatly in number. (Genesis 47:27)
- **Slaves build the city** ([Exodus 1:8-14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/1#8-14)). A new Pharaoh fears them, puts slave masters over them, and sets them to build his supply cities.
  > So they put slave masters over them to oppress them with forced labor. The Israelites built supply cities for Pharaoh: Pithom and Rameses. (Exodus 1:11)
- **They set out** ([Exodus 12:29-42](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/12#29-42)). On the night of the first Passover, Pharaoh tells them to go. They leave Rameses for Succoth.
  > The Israelites set out from Rameses for Succoth, about six hundred thousand men on foot, not counting the children. (Exodus 12:37)

#### Succoth

The first camp after Rameses, on the road east out of Egypt toward the wilderness. Site uncertain. Usually placed at Tell el-Maskhuta in the Wadi Tumilat, a valley that was the natural road east out of the delta. Egyptian texts name this district Tjeku, which may be the same name. It is not proven. Today: Tell el-Maskhuta, a mound west of the city of Ismailia in Egypt. About 30.55° N, 32.10° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#succoth

- **The first camp** ([Exodus 13:17-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/13#17-22)). They camp at Succoth, then move on to Etham on the edge of the wilderness. A pillar of cloud leads them by day and a pillar of fire by night.
  > They set out from Succoth and camped at Etham, on the edge of the wilderness. Yahweh went ahead of them by day in a pillar of cloud to guide them on their way, and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, so that they could travel by day or by night. (Exodus 13:20-21)

### Sinai and the wilderness

#### The crossing of the sea (Yam Suph, the Red Sea or Sea of Reeds)

Where the sea was driven back and Israel walked through on dry ground. The Bible names the sea but not the spot. Site uncertain. No one knows where Israel crossed. Exodus names the camp, “Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea”, and none of those places has been found for certain. The sea is Yam Suph, often read “sea of reeds”, a name the Bible also gives the Gulf of Aqaba. Proposals include the lagoons and lakes along the line of today’s Suez Canal, the Bitter Lakes, and the head of the Gulf of Suez. A modern theory puts it at Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba, with Mount Sinai in Arabia, but few scholars accept it. The pin sits at the Bitter Lakes as one proposal among these. Today: The pin is on the Great Bitter Lake, on the Suez Canal in Egypt. About 30.36° N, 32.40° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#sea-crossing

- **Trapped by the sea** ([Exodus 14:1-14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/14#1-14)). God turns them back to camp by the sea. Pharaoh changes his mind and his chariots come after them.
  > “Instruct the Israelites to turn around and set up camp before Pi-hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. In front of Baal-zephon, facing it, you are to make camp beside the sea. (Exodus 14:2)
- **Through the sea on dry ground** ([Exodus 14:15-31](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/14#15-31)). Moses stretches out his hand. An east wind blows all night, and the people cross between walls of water.
  > Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and Yahweh pushed the sea back with a powerful east wind the whole night long, making the sea into dry land. The waters split apart, and the Israelites entered the middle of the sea on dry ground, while the waters were a wall for them to their right and to their left. (Exodus 14:21-22)

#### Marah

A spring of bitter water, three days into the wilderness after the sea. Site uncertain. Marah means “bitter”. On the traditional route it is the bitter spring of Ain Hawara, three days south of the crossing. Others suggest springs nearer Suez, such as Ayun Musa. Its place depends on where the sea was crossed. Today: The pin marks Ain Hawara, inland from the Gulf of Suez coast in Egypt’s Sinai. About 29.45° N, 32.90° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#marah

- **Bitter water made sweet** ([Exodus 15:22-26](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/15#22-26)). After three days without water they find only bitter water. Moses cries out, and a piece of wood makes it sweet.
  > Moses cried out to Yahweh, and Yahweh pointed him to a piece of wood. He tossed it into the water, and the water turned sweet. There Yahweh set a statute and an ordinance for them, and there he put them to the test. (Exodus 15:25)

#### Elim

An oasis with twelve springs and seventy palm trees, the next camp after Marah. Site uncertain. Traditionally the oasis of Wadi Gharandel, the next good water south of Ain Hawara. Like Marah, it is placed by following the traditional route. Today: The pin marks Wadi Gharandel, in Egypt’s Sinai. About 29.27° N, 33.00° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#elim

- **Twelve springs and seventy palms** ([Exodus 15:27](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/15#27)). After Marah they reach Elim and camp beside the water.
  > Next they reached Elim. Twelve springs of water and seventy palm trees were there, and they set up camp there beside the water. (Exodus 15:27)

#### Wilderness of Sin

The stretch of desert between Elim and Sinai, where the people complained of hunger and God sent manna. Site uncertain. Exodus places it “between Elim and Sinai”. On the traditional route it is the coastal plain of el-Markha. The name has nothing to do with the English word sin. Today: The label sits on the coastal plain of el-Markha, in Egypt’s Sinai. About 28.93° N, 33.26° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#wilderness-of-sin

- **Manna and quail** ([Exodus 16:1-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/16#1-21)). The people say they were better off in Egypt. God sends quail in the evening, and in the morning bread from heaven.
  > When the layer of dew had lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was something thin and flaky, thin as frost on the ground. When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, “What is it?” For they did not know what it was. Moses said to them, “It is the bread that Yahweh has given you to eat. (Exodus 16:14-15)

#### Rephidim

The last camp before Sinai, where there was no water and Amalek attacked. Site uncertain. Traditionally the oasis of Feiran, the largest in Sinai, on the way up to Jebel Musa. Some put it farther on, nearer the mountain. It is placed by following the traditional route. Today: The pin marks the oasis of Wadi Feiran, in Egypt’s Sinai. About 28.71° N, 33.63° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#rephidim

- **Water from the rock** ([Exodus 17:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/17#1-7)). The people quarrel with Moses for water. God tells him to strike the rock, and water comes out.
  > I will stand there before you on the rock at Horeb. Strike the rock, and water will come out of it, and the people will drink.” Moses did this in the sight of the elders of Israel. (Exodus 17:6)
- **The battle with Amalek** ([Exodus 17:8-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/17#8-16)). Joshua leads the fight while Moses holds up his hands on the hill, with Aaron and Hur holding them steady.
  > Whenever Moses held up his hand, Israel was winning, and whenever he lowered his hand, Amalek was winning. (Exodus 17:11)

#### Mount Sinai (Horeb, the mountain of God)

The mountain where God spoke to Moses from the burning bush, and where he gave Israel the Ten Commandments. Traditional site. The Bible never says where the mountain is. The pin marks Jebel Musa, “Moses’ mountain”, where Christians were shown it by the 4th century and where Saint Catherine’s Monastery stands. Other proposals include Jebel Serbal nearby, peaks in northern Sinai, Har Karkom in the Negev, and Jebel al-Lawz in Arabia. Paul writes of “Mount Sinai in Arabia” (Galatians 4:25), though Arabia in his day took in Sinai too. Deuteronomy 1:2 puts the mountain eleven days from Kadesh-barnea. Today: Jebel Musa, about 2,285 m high, in the south of Egypt’s Sinai, above Saint Catherine’s Monastery. About 28.54° N, 33.98° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-sinai

- **The burning bush** ([Exodus 3:1-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/3#1-12)). Years before the Exodus, Moses is keeping sheep near Horeb when he sees a bush on fire that does not burn up.
  > Moses was shepherding the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. He drove the flock beyond the wilderness and arrived at Horeb, the mountain of God. There the angel of Yahweh appeared to him in a flame of fire from the middle of a bush. Moses looked, and he saw the bush blazing with fire, yet the bush was not burning away. (Exodus 3:1-2)
- **The mountain on fire** ([Exodus 19:16-25](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/19#16-25)). Three months out of Egypt, Israel camps before the mountain. God comes down on it in fire, and it shakes.
  > Mount Sinai was completely covered in smoke, because Yahweh had come down on it in fire. Its smoke went up like the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mountain shook violently. (Exodus 19:18)
- **The Ten Commandments** ([Exodus 20:1-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/20#1-17)). God speaks the commandments to the whole people and makes a covenant with them.
  > “I am Yahweh your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of slaves. Do not have any other gods before me. (Exodus 20:2-3)
- **The golden calf** ([Exodus 32:1-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/32#1-20)). While Moses is on the mountain, the people make a calf of gold. He comes down and breaks the tablets.
  > As soon as he came near the camp and saw the calf and the dancing, Moses’ anger burned. He threw the tablets from his hands and shattered them at the foot of the mountain. (Exodus 32:19)
- **Elijah comes to Horeb** ([1 Kings 19:8-18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-kings/19#8-18)). Centuries later, Elijah walks forty days to the mountain of God and hears a quiet voice.
  > He got up, ate, and drank, and on the strength of that meal he walked forty days and forty nights as far as Horeb, the mountain of God. (1 Kings 19:8)

#### Jebel al-Lawz

A mountain in the old land of Midian, in north-west Arabia, that some put forward as the real Mount Sinai. Site uncertain. Proposed as Mount Sinai by some writers since the 1980s, because Moses kept Jethro’s flocks in Midian, east of the Gulf of Aqaba, and Paul writes of “Mount Sinai in Arabia”. Most scholars do not accept it: the borders of Midian are uncertain, the remains shown on the mountain have other explanations, and it needs the crossing to be at the Gulf of Aqaba. Today: In the north-west of Saudi Arabia, about 30 km from the Gulf of Aqaba. About 28.65° N, 35.30° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#jebel-al-lawz

- **Moses flees to Midian** ([Exodus 2:11-22](https://www.lumin.faith/read/exodus/2#11-22)). After killing an Egyptian, Moses runs from Pharaoh to Midian. He marries there and keeps his father-in-law’s sheep.
  > When Pharaoh heard about this, he tried to kill Moses. But Moses fled from Pharaoh and settled in the land of Midian. He sat down by a well. (Exodus 2:15)

#### Kadesh-barnea (Kadesh)

An oasis on the southern edge of Canaan. Israel camped here for much of the forty years, and from here the spies went into the land. Site uncertain. Most scholars place it at the springs of Ein el-Qudeirat, the richest water in northern Sinai. Nearby Ein Qadis keeps the old name and is the other candidate. No remains from the time of Moses have been found at either. Today: Ein el-Qudeirat, in Egypt’s north-east Sinai near the border with Israel. About 30.65° N, 34.42° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#kadesh-barnea

- **The twelve spies** ([Numbers 13:17-33](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/13#17-33)). The spies come back with fruit. Ten say the land cannot be taken, and the people refuse to go up.
  > They came back to Moses and Aaron and the whole congregation of the Israelites in the wilderness of Paran, at Kadesh. They brought back a report to them and to the whole congregation and showed them the fruit of the land. (Numbers 13:26)
- **Forty years** ([Numbers 14:26-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/14#26-35)). God says that generation will die in the wilderness, and their children will enter the land after forty years.
  > Your children will be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years, and they will suffer for your unfaithfulness until the last of your bodies lies in the wilderness. (Numbers 14:33)
- **Miriam dies, and Moses strikes the rock** ([Numbers 20:1-13](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/20#1-13)). Miriam is buried at Kadesh. When there is no water, Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it.
  > Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the congregation and their livestock drank. (Numbers 20:11)

#### Mount Hor

A mountain on the border of Edom, where Aaron died. Traditional site. Numbers places Mount Hor “on the border of the land of Edom”. Josephus, in the 1st century, already puts it near Petra, and tradition points to Jebel Harun above the city, where a shrine to Aaron stands. Some prefer a hill nearer Kadesh, such as Jebel Madurah. Today: Jebel Harun, “Aaron’s mountain”, above Petra in Jordan. About 30.32° N, 35.41° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#mount-hor

- **Aaron dies** ([Numbers 20:22-29](https://www.lumin.faith/read/numbers/20#22-29)). Moses takes Aaron and his son up the mountain, puts Aaron’s robes on Eleazar, and Aaron dies there.
  > Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, and Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. (Numbers 20:28)

#### Ezion-geber

A harbor at the head of the Gulf of Aqaba. Israel passed it going round Edom, and Solomon later built ships here. Site uncertain. At the head of the Gulf of Aqaba, near Elath. Tell el-Kheleifeh, between modern Eilat and Aqaba, was long taken to be the site. That is now doubted, and the island of Jezirat Fara’un has also been proposed. Today: Between Eilat in Israel and Aqaba in Jordan. About 29.56° N, 34.98° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#ezion-geber

- **Round Edom** ([Deuteronomy 2:1-8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/deuteronomy/2#1-8)). Edom will not let them through, so they go south past Elath and Ezion-geber and turn north by the desert road.
  > So we went on past our relatives, the descendants of Esau who live in Seir, away from the Arabah road and from Elath and Ezion-geber. Then we turned and went along the road to the wilderness of Moab. (Deuteronomy 2:8)
- **Solomon’s fleet** ([1 Kings 9:26-28](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-kings/9#26-28)). Solomon builds ships here, on the shore of the Red Sea, and sends them to Ophir for gold.
  > King Solomon also built a fleet of ships at Ezion-geber, which is near Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. (1 Kings 9:26)

### Syria and Cilicia

#### Antioch (Antioch in Syria, Antioch on the Orontes)

The third city of the Roman empire, and the church that sent Paul out. Each of his three journeys began here. Well-established site. Today: Antakya, in the far south of Turkey, on the Orontes river. About 36.20° N, 36.16° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#antioch

- **The disciples are first called Christians** ([Acts 11:19-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/11#19-30)). Barnabas brings Saul from Tarsus, and for a year they teach the church here.
  > Then Barnabas went to Tarsus to look for Saul, and when he found him, he brought him to Antioch. For a whole year they met with the church and taught a large number of people. It was in Antioch that the disciples were first called Christians. (Acts 11:25-26)
- **Barnabas and Saul are sent out** ([Acts 13:1-3](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#1-3)). The church fasts, prays, lays hands on the two men and sends them off.
  > While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, “Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.” So after they had fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on them and sent them off. (Acts 13:2-3)
- **They come home and tell what happened** ([Acts 14:24-28](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#24-28)). At the end of the first journey they gather the church and report.
  > From there they sailed back to Antioch, where they had been entrusted to the grace of God for the work they had now completed. When they arrived, they gathered the church together and reported all that God had done with them, and how he had opened a door of faith to the Gentiles. (Acts 14:26-27)

#### Seleucia (Seleucia Pieria, the port of Antioch)

The harbor of Antioch, where the Orontes meets the sea. Barnabas and Saul took ship here for Cyprus. Well-established site. Today: Ruins near Samandağ, Turkey, about 25 km from Antakya. About 36.12° N, 35.92° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#seleucia

- **They sail for Cyprus** ([Acts 13:4-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#4-5)). The first journey leaves the mainland from this port.
  > So Barnabas and Saul, sent out by the Holy Spirit, went down to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. (Acts 13:4)

#### Tarsus

Paul’s home town, the chief city of Cilicia. He was born here and came back here after he first believed. Well-established site. Today: Tarsus, Turkey. The modern town stands on the ancient one. About 36.92° N, 34.89° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#tarsus

- **Paul says where he is from** ([Acts 21:37-40](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/21#37-40)). Arrested in Jerusalem, he tells the commander who he is.
  > Paul answered, “I am a Jew from Tarsus in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. I beg you, let me speak to the people.” (Acts 21:39)
- **The believers send him home** ([Acts 9:26-30](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/9#26-30)). After his life is threatened in Jerusalem, they take him to Caesarea and send him to Tarsus.
  > When the brothers and sisters learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus. (Acts 9:30)

### Cyprus

#### Salamis

The largest town of Cyprus, on its east coast. The first stop of the first journey. Well-established site. Today: Ruins just north of Famagusta, Cyprus. About 35.19° N, 33.90° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#salamis

- **They speak in the synagogues** ([Acts 13:4-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#4-5)). Barnabas, who was from Cyprus, and Saul begin here, with John Mark as their helper.
  > When they arrived at Salamis, they proclaimed the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. They also had John with them as their assistant. (Acts 13:5)

#### Paphos

The Roman capital of Cyprus, at the west end of the island. The governor believed here. Well-established site. Today: Kato Paphos, Cyprus. The Roman town is an open archaeological site. About 34.76° N, 32.41° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#paphos

- **The governor believes** ([Acts 13:6-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#6-12)). A magician tries to turn the proconsul, Sergius Paulus, away from the faith. Paul rebukes him, and the proconsul believes.
  > When the proconsul saw what had happened, he believed, for he was amazed at the teaching of the Lord. (Acts 13:12)

### Pamphylia and Galatia

#### Perga

A town of Pamphylia, a little inland from the south coast. John Mark turned back here. Well-established site. Today: Ruins at Aksu, near Antalya, Turkey. About 36.96° N, 30.85° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#perga

- **John Mark goes home** ([Acts 13:13-14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#13-14)). They land from Cyprus, and John leaves them and returns to Jerusalem. Acts does not say why.
  > Paul and his companions set sail from Paphos and came to Perga in Pamphylia. But John left them and returned to Jerusalem. (Acts 13:13)

#### Pisidian Antioch (Antioch in Pisidia)

A Roman colony in the hills, about 1,100 m up. Paul’s first recorded sermon was given in its synagogue. Well-established site. Today: Ruins beside Yalvaç, Turkey. About 38.31° N, 31.19° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#pisidian-antioch

- **Paul speaks in the synagogue** ([Acts 13:14-43](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#14-43)). On the Sabbath they go in and sit down, and Paul is asked to speak.
  > They went on from Perga and arrived at Pisidian Antioch. On the Sabbath day they went into the synagogue and sat down. (Acts 13:14)
- **They turn to the Gentiles** ([Acts 13:44-52](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/13#44-52)). The next Sabbath nearly the whole town gathers. When some oppose them, Paul and Barnabas turn to the Gentiles.
  > For this is what the Lord has commanded us: ‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, so that you may bring salvation to the end of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they rejoiced and honored the word of the Lord, and all who were appointed to eternal life believed. And the word of the Lord spread throughout the whole region. (Acts 13:47-49)

#### Iconium

A town on the high plain of Lycaonia. Many believed, and the town split over the message. Well-established site. Today: Konya, Turkey. About 37.87° N, 32.48° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#iconium

- **A great number believe** ([Acts 14:1-7](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#1-7)). Paul and Barnabas stay a long time, until a plot to stone them drives them on.
  > In Iconium, Paul and Barnabas went together into the Jewish synagogue and spoke in such a way that a great number of both Jews and Greeks believed. (Acts 14:1)

#### Lystra

A small Roman colony south of Iconium. Paul was taken for a god here, then stoned. It was Timothy’s home. Well-established site. Today: An unexcavated mound near Hatunsaray, Turkey. An inscription found there in 1885 names the town. About 37.58° N, 32.45° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#lystra

- **A lame man walks** ([Acts 14:8-18](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#8-18)). The crowd decides the gods have come down, and calls Barnabas Zeus and Paul Hermes.
  > When the crowds saw what Paul had done, they shouted in the Lycaonian language, “The gods have come down to us in human form!” They called Barnabas Zeus, and Paul they called Hermes, because he was the chief speaker. (Acts 14:11-12)
- **Paul is stoned and left for dead** ([Acts 14:19-20](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#19-20)). He gets up, goes back into the town, and leaves the next day.
  > Then some Jews came from Antioch and Iconium and won the crowds over. They stoned Paul and dragged him out of the city, thinking he was dead. But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. (Acts 14:19-20)
- **Timothy joins Paul** ([Acts 16:1-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/16#1-5)). On the second journey Paul finds a young disciple here and takes him along.
  > Paul also came to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple named Timothy was there, the son of a Jewish woman who was a believer, but his father was a Greek. (Acts 16:1)

#### Derbe

The farthest town of the first journey. They made many disciples here, then turned back the way they had come. Site uncertain. Two mounds near Karaman, Turkey, have each produced an inscription naming Derbe. The pin marks Kerti Hüyük, the one most often chosen. Today: Near Karaman, Turkey. Neither mound has been fully excavated. About 37.35° N, 33.36° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#derbe

- **Many become disciples** ([Acts 14:20-23](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/14#20-23)). Paul arrives the day after he was stoned at Lystra.
  > But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. The next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. They proclaimed the good news in that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, (Acts 14:20-21)

### Asia

#### Ephesus

The chief city of the Roman province of Asia, with its temple of Artemis. Paul stayed longer here than anywhere else on his travels. Well-established site. Today: Ruins beside Selçuk, Turkey. The harbor has silted up, and the sea is now several kilometres away. About 37.94° N, 27.34° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#ephesus

- **Two years of teaching** ([Acts 19:1-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/19#1-10)). After three months in the synagogue, Paul teaches each day in a lecture hall.
  > This went on for two years, so that all who lived in Asia, both Jews and Greeks, heard the word of the Lord. (Acts 19:10)
- **The riot in the theater** ([Acts 19:23-41](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/19#23-41)). The silversmiths who make shrines of Artemis stir up the city against Paul.
  > The whole city was filled with confusion. The people rushed together into the theater, dragging along Gaius and Aristarchus, Paul’s traveling companions from Macedonia. (Acts 19:29)
- **A letter to the church** ([Ephesians 1:1-14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/ephesians/1#1-14)). The letter to the Ephesians is addressed to the believers here.
  > Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by God’s will, to the saints who are in Ephesus and who are faithful in Christ Jesus: (Ephesians 1:1)

#### Miletus

A port south of Ephesus. Paul said goodbye to the elders of Ephesus here on his way to Jerusalem. Well-established site. Today: Ruins near Balat, Turkey. Like Ephesus, it now lies inland. About 37.53° N, 27.28° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#miletus

- **Paul sends for the elders** ([Acts 20:17-35](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/20#17-35)). He is hurrying to Jerusalem and does not stop at Ephesus. He calls its elders to meet him here.
  > From Miletus he sent a message to Ephesus and called for the elders of the church. (Acts 20:17)
- **The farewell on the shore** ([Acts 20:36-38](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/20#36-38)). He kneels and prays with them, and they walk him to the ship.
  > When he had said this, he knelt down with all of them and prayed. They all wept freely, and they embraced Paul and kissed him, grieving most of all because of what he had said, that they would never see his face again. Then they accompanied him to the ship. (Acts 20:36-38)

#### Troas (Alexandria Troas)

A port on the north-west corner of Asia Minor, facing Europe. Paul saw the man of Macedonia here. Well-established site. Today: Ruins near Dalyan, Turkey, south of ancient Troy. About 39.75° N, 26.16° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#troas

- **The man of Macedonia** ([Acts 16:6-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/16#6-10)). In a vision at night a man begs Paul to cross the sea and help.
  > During the night Paul had a vision: a man of Macedonia was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” As soon as he had seen the vision, we immediately tried to leave for Macedonia, concluding that God had called us to proclaim the good news to them. (Acts 16:9-10)
- **Eutychus falls from the window** ([Acts 20:7-12](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/20#7-12)). On the way back, Paul talks until midnight and a young man falls asleep.
  > A young man named Eutychus, who was sitting in the window, was sinking into a deep sleep as Paul talked on and on. Overcome by sleep, he fell from the third story and was picked up dead. But Paul went down, threw himself on him, took him in his arms, and said, “Do not be alarmed, for his life is in him.” (Acts 20:9-10)

### Macedonia

#### Philippi

A Roman colony on the great road across Macedonia. The first church Paul founded in Europe. Well-established site. Today: Ruins near Krinides, in northern Greece. About 41.01° N, 24.29° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#philippi

- **Lydia believes** ([Acts 16:11-15](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/16#11-15)). On the Sabbath Paul speaks to women gathered by the river. A cloth merchant is the first to believe.
  > One of those listening was a woman named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth from the city of Thyatira, who worshiped God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what Paul was saying. (Acts 16:14)
- **The jail at midnight** ([Acts 16:16-40](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/16#16-40)). Paul and Silas are beaten and locked up. An earthquake opens the doors, and the jailer believes.
  > About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the prisoners were listening to them. Suddenly there was a great earthquake, so strong that the foundations of the prison were shaken. At once all the doors flew open, and everyone’s chains came loose. (Acts 16:25-26)
- **A letter to the church** ([Philippians 1:1-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/philippians/1#1-11)). Years later Paul writes to them from prison.
  > Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons: (Philippians 1:1)

#### Thessalonica

The capital of Macedonia, a port at the head of its gulf. Paul wrote two letters to the church here. Well-established site. Today: Thessaloniki, the second city of Greece. About 40.64° N, 22.94° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#thessalonica

- **Three Sabbaths in the synagogue** ([Acts 17:1-9](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/17#1-9)). Paul shows from the Scriptures that the Messiah had to suffer and rise. Some believe, and a mob forms.
  > Paul went in to them, as he usually did, and for three Sabbaths he held discussions with them from the Scriptures, explaining them and showing that the Messiah had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you,” he said, “is the Messiah.” (Acts 17:2-3)
- **A letter to the church** ([1 Thessalonians 1:1-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-thessalonians/1#1-10)). Paul writes to them soon after he leaves.
  > Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace. (1 Thessalonians 1:1)

#### Berea

A town in the foothills west of Thessalonica. Its people checked what Paul said against the Scriptures. Well-established site. Today: Veria, Greece. About 40.52° N, 22.20° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#berea

- **They search the Scriptures each day** ([Acts 17:10-15](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/17#10-15)). The Bereans listen eagerly and test the message for themselves.
  > These Jews were more noble-minded than the ones in Thessalonica. They took in the word with all eagerness, and each day they searched the Scriptures, checking whether these things held true. (Acts 17:11)

### Greece

#### Athens

The old home of Greek learning. Paul spoke to its philosophers about an altar “to an unknown god”. Well-established site. Today: Athens, Greece. The Areopagus is the bare rock just below the Acropolis. About 37.97° N, 23.73° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#athens

- **A city crowded with idols** ([Acts 17:16-21](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/17#16-21)). While he waits for Silas and Timothy, Paul talks with people in the synagogue and the marketplace.
  > As Paul waited for them in Athens, his spirit grew agitated within him when he observed that the city was crowded with idols. So he held discussions in the synagogue with the Jews and the God-fearing worshipers, and each day in the marketplace with whoever was around. (Acts 17:16-17)
- **Paul speaks at the Areopagus** ([Acts 17:22-34](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/17#22-34)). He starts from their own altar and ends with the resurrection. Some laugh, and some believe.
  > Standing in the middle of the Areopagus, Paul said, “Men of Athens, I observe that you are extremely religious in every respect. For as I went around and studied your sacred objects, I even came upon an altar with this written on it: ‘To an unknown god.’ So what you revere in ignorance, I am proclaiming to you. (Acts 17:22-23)

#### Corinth

A busy trading city on the neck of land between two seas. Paul stayed a year and a half, and later wrote to the church more than once. Well-established site. Today: Ancient Corinth, a village and ruins about 5 km from the modern city. About 37.91° N, 22.88° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#corinth

- **A year and six months** ([Acts 18:1-17](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/18#1-17)). Paul works as a tentmaker with Aquila and Priscilla. In a vision the Lord tells him to keep speaking.
  > One night the Lord said to Paul in a vision, “Do not be afraid, but keep on speaking and do not be silent, for I am with you, and no one will attack you to harm you, because I have many people in this city.” So he stayed there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. (Acts 18:9-11)
- **What Paul preached here** ([1 Corinthians 2:1-5](https://www.lumin.faith/read/1-corinthians/2#1-5)). He reminds them of it in his first letter.
  > For I decided to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ, and him crucified. (1 Corinthians 2:2)

### Crete, Malta and Italy

#### Fair Havens (On the south coast of Crete)

A small bay on the south coast of Crete. Paul warned the ship’s officers not to sail on from here. Well-established site. Today: Kaloi Limenes, Crete. The bay still carries the name, which means “fair havens”. About 34.93° N, 24.80° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#fair-havens

- **Paul’s warning** ([Acts 27:7-13](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/27#7-13)). It is late in the year and sailing is dangerous. The centurion listens to the pilot and the owner instead.
  > A long time had passed, and sailing had now become dangerous because by now the Fast was already over. So Paul advised them, “Men, I can see that our voyage is going to end in disaster and great loss, not only of the cargo and the ship, but also of our lives.” (Acts 27:9-10)

#### Malta

The island where the ship broke up after two weeks of storm. All 276 people on board reached land. Traditional site. Acts names the island and not the beach. The pin marks St Paul’s Bay, the traditional place of the wreck. Other bays on Malta have been proposed. Today: Malta. St Paul’s Bay is on the north-east coast. About 35.96° N, 14.40° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#malta

- **The ship runs aground** ([Acts 27:27-44](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/27#27-44)). The bow sticks fast on a sandbar and the stern breaks up in the surf. Everyone gets ashore.
  > But the centurion wanted to save Paul, so he kept them from carrying out their plan. He ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land, and the rest were to follow, some on planks and some on pieces of the ship. In this way everyone reached land safely. (Acts 27:43-44)
- **Kindness on the beach** ([Acts 28:1-10](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/28#1-10)). The islanders light a fire for them in the rain. They stay three months.
  > Once we were safely on shore, we learned that the island was called Malta. The local people showed us extraordinary kindness. They built a fire and welcomed us all, because it had started to rain and it was cold. (Acts 28:1-2)

#### Puteoli

The port on the Bay of Naples where the grain ships from Egypt unloaded. Paul came ashore in Italy here. Well-established site. Today: Pozzuoli, just west of Naples. About 40.83° N, 14.12° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#puteoli

- **Seven days with the believers** ([Acts 28:11-14](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/28#11-14)). They find Christians already living in the town, and stay a week before the walk to Rome.
  > From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium. After one day a south wind came up, and on the second day we reached Puteoli. There we found brothers and sisters, who invited us to stay with them for seven days. And so we came to Rome. (Acts 28:13-14)

#### Rome

The capital of the empire. Paul had long wanted to come, and arrived as a prisoner. Acts ends here. Well-established site. Today: Rome, Italy. About 41.89° N, 12.49° E. Open on the map: https://www.lumin.faith/bible-map#rome

- **The promise in the night** ([Acts 23:6-11](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/23#6-11)). In a cell in Jerusalem, the Lord tells Paul he will speak for him in Rome too.
  > The following night the Lord stood beside Paul and said, “Take courage! For just as you have testified about me in Jerusalem, so you must also testify in Rome.” (Acts 23:11)
- **The believers come out to meet him** ([Acts 28:14-16](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/28#14-16)). They walk as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns, on the Appian Way.
  > The brothers and sisters there had heard about us, and they came as far as the Forum of Appius and the Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. (Acts 28:15)
- **Two years in a rented house** ([Acts 28:17-31](https://www.lumin.faith/read/acts/28#17-31)). Under guard, he welcomes everyone who comes and teaches freely. Acts stops there.
  > Paul stayed there two whole years in his own rented house and welcomed all who came to see him. He proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ with all boldness and without hindrance. (Acts 28:30-31)

## Questions about the map

### How far is it from Nazareth to Bethlehem?

About 110 km in a straight line, and roughly 130 to 160 km by the roads of the time, depending on the route. On foot that is several days. Luke 2:4 says Joseph “went up” from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It does not say which road they took or how long it took.

### Where did the magi come from?

Matthew 2:1 says only “from the east”. It does not name a country. Persia, Babylon and Arabia have all been suggested. Matthew also does not say how many came. The number three comes from the three gifts.

### Where in Egypt did Mary, Joseph and Jesus stay?

The Bible does not say. Matthew 2:13-15 says they went to Egypt and stayed until Herod died. Later traditions name several towns, but none of them is in Scripture.

### Where did Jesus spend most of his ministry?

In Galilee, around the Sea of Galilee. Matthew 4:13 says he left Nazareth and made his home in Capernaum, on the north shore, and most of the Gospel stories happen within a day’s walk of it: Bethsaida, Chorazin, Magdala, Cana and Nain, and on the lake itself. He also went north to the regions of Tyre, Sidon and Caesarea Philippi, east to the Decapolis, and up to Jerusalem for the feasts. The map follows these in Mark’s order.

### Where was Jesus crucified and buried?

Outside the city wall of the time and near it, with a new tomb in a garden close by (John 19:17-20, 41-42). Since the 4th century the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has marked both. It is inside today’s Old City walls, but digs show the spot was outside the wall of Jesus’s day. The Garden Tomb, north of Damascus Gate, was proposed in the 1880s, but most archaeologists date its tomb centuries earlier. The map shows both and says which is which.

### Where did Pilate judge Jesus?

The Gospels call it the praetorium, the governor’s headquarters, and John names its Stone Pavement, Gabbatha (John 19:13). They do not say which building it was. Many scholars think Pilate used Herod’s palace on the west side of the city. The older tradition puts it at the Antonia fortress beside the temple, which is why the Via Dolorosa starts there. The map draws the road to the cross from both.

### Where did the Israelites cross the Red Sea?

No one knows. Exodus 14:2 names the camp, Pi-hahiroth between Migdol and the sea, but none of those places has been found for certain. The sea is Yam Suph, often read “sea of reeds”. Scholars have proposed the lakes and lagoons along the line of today’s Suez Canal, the Bitter Lakes, and the head of the Gulf of Suez. A modern theory puts the crossing at Nuweiba on the Gulf of Aqaba, but few scholars accept it. The map pins the Bitter Lakes as one proposal and draws two of them, both dotted.

### Where is Mount Sinai?

The Bible does not say, and it is also called Horeb. Since at least the 4th century Christians have pointed to Jebel Musa in southern Sinai, where Saint Catherine’s Monastery stands, and the map pins it as the traditional site. Other proposals include Jebel Serbal, peaks in northern Sinai, Har Karkom in the Negev, and Jebel al-Lawz in Saudi Arabia, which the map also marks. Deuteronomy 1:2 says it was eleven days from Kadesh-barnea.

### What route did the Israelites take in the Exodus?

The outline is clear: from Rameses in the Nile delta to the sea, through the wilderness to Mount Sinai, north to Kadesh-barnea, round Edom, and into the plains of Moab across the Jordan from Jericho. Numbers 33 lists about forty camps, but only a few can be placed. The map follows the traditional route to Jebel Musa and marks every uncertain site as uncertain.

### How many missionary journeys did Paul make?

Acts tells of three, each starting from Antioch in Syria: to Cyprus and Galatia (Acts 13-14), on into Macedonia and Greece (Acts 15:36-18:22), and to Ephesus and back round the Aegean (Acts 18:23-21:17). After that Paul is taken to Rome as a prisoner (Acts 27-28). The map shows all four.

### Are Paul’s routes on the map exact?

The towns and ports are. Acts names them one after another, and nearly all are well-established sites. The lines between them are not. On land each line follows a Roman road that fits the text. At sea it is the shortest way through open water between the ports Acts names. Where Acts gives only a region, the line is dotted.

### Are the places on this map certain?

Most are. Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Capernaum, Jericho and the temple are well established. A few are traditional sites, such as the upper room and Gethsemane, where the Bible gives no exact spot, and a few are uncertain, where scholars propose more than one site. Most places on the Exodus route are traditional or uncertain. The map marks each kind, and every place says which it is.

### Are the routes on the map exact?

No. The Gospels name where people started and where they arrived, and almost never the road between. Each line follows a road known from the period and is marked as a likely route. Where the text gives only a direction, the line is dotted.

## Sources

- Terrain: Shaded from open elevation data: NASA SRTM on land and GEBCO at sea, by way of Terrain Tiles on AWS Open Data. The same heights raise the land in the 3D view (three times their true height, as relief maps do) and give each place its height above or below the sea. https://registry.opendata.aws/terrain-tiles/
- Colours: Painted, not photographed. The green and the desert follow an estimate of yearly rain worked out from the land itself: the rain comes in off the Mediterranean, falls on the coast and the western hills, and fails behind the ridges and far inland. So the map shows the land as it lies, without the towns, fields and roads of today. The sea is shaded by its depth.
- Shores and rivers: Seas, the Dead Sea and the Sea of Galilee are drawn from the same elevation data. Rivers and the lakes of Asia Minor are from Natural Earth, which is in the public domain. https://www.naturalearthdata.com/
- The map itself: Drawn by Lumin and served from this site. It loads no map service and sends nothing about you to one.