|
|
|
Search for Biblical Geographical Locations
Julian Spriggs M.A.
This page lists a growing number of the geographical locations where events described in the Bible took place. It gives the Biblical name of the location, its modern name, and the modern nation where it is sited. It also gives the latitude and longitude of the location, and links to Google maps terrain and satellite view, if available. It also shows the What3Words link. There is a link to the page on Wikipedia about the location, and to the Holy Land Photos site, if these are available. Links to other websites are given if available.
The locations are listed in alphabetical order, and can be filtered by the name of the modern nation and the Bible period or people that the location is associated with. Locations can also be searched by name.
Select modern nation
Select Bible period
Search by biblical location (auto-completes)
|
142 locations found
|
|
|
|
Adramyttium
Ören, Balya, Edremit Balikesir Province
Turkey
39° 30' N, 26° 56' E
|
Acts
Acts 27:2
|
Road Map
|
Wikipedia
|
On his journey to Rome, the first ship that Paul was taken on was from Adramyttium sailing to the ports on the coast of the Roman province of Asia. Paul left the ship in Myra, where the centurion found a ship from Alexandria bound for Italy (Acts 27:6).
|
|
Alexandria (Egypt)
Alexandria
Egypt
31° 12' N, 29° 54' E
|
Acts, Early church
Acts 18:24, 27:6
|
Road Map
|
Wikipedia
|
The Egyptian city of Alexandria on the north-west coast of the Nile Delta was founded by Alexander the Great. It had a large Greek, Jewish and Egyptian population, being the economic and banking centre of Egypt. It was also an important intellectual and literary centre, where the Hebrew Scriptures were translated into Greek Septuagint version. Alexandria was the home of Apollos (Acts 18:24). Alexandria became an important centre for the early church.
On his journey to Rome, Paul joined a ship from Alexandria at Myra which was bound for Italy (Acts 27:6). It was this ship which later was wrecked off the island of Malta.
|
|
Amphipolis
Serres, Central Macedonia
Greece
40° 49' N, 23° 50' E
|
Acts
Acts 17:1
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
|
Luke records that Paul and Barnabas passed through the two cities of Amphipolis and Apollonia on the Second Missionary Journey without giving any further details. It is not known whether Paul stopped any longer than one night in each place, or did any missionary work there. Both cities lay on the Via Egnatia, the direct route between Philippi and Thessalonica.
Amphipolis was a large city, and an important commercial centre situated on the River Strymon. It was prized by the Athenians and Macedonians for gold and silver, as well as the timber of Mount Pangaeus. It was the first free town established by the Romans, and capital of the first district of Macedonia. There are extensive archaeological remains, including a large burial mound and the famous lion of Amphipolis.
|
|
Antioch (Pisidia)
Yalvac, Isparta Province
Turkey
38° 18' N, 31° 11' E
|
Acts
Acts 13:14
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
Turkish Museums
|
The site of Pisidian Antioch is near the Turkish town of Yalvac at the western edge of the Anatolian Plateau. It was located at a crossroads, so became an important trading and communication centre. The city was established in the third or fourth century BC by a Macedonian calvary leader. It became a prominent centre of Hellenism. Later it was designated as a Roman colony in the province of Galatia by the Emperor Augustus in 25 BC, after which many buildings had been constructed.
Excavated remains include a monumental gate, streets, a small theatre, a temple to Augustus and a bathhouse. There are also remains of a large church dedicated to St Paul, also known as the 'Great Basilica'. It has been claimed that the church was originally built on the site of the Jewish synagogue where Paul preached (Acts 13:16-41). Antioch remained an important centre of the church for several centuries.
|
|
Antioch (Syria)
Antakya, Hatay Province
Turkey
36° 12' N, 36° 11' E
|
Acts
Acts 11:19-30, 13:1-3
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
Turkish Museums
|
Antioch in Syria, also known as Antioch on the Orontes. It was the third largest city in the Roman Empire. It is now the city of Antakya in the Hatay province of Turkey. It founded by Seleucus I around 300 BC, as the capital of the Kingdom of Syria. It was the first predominantly Gentile church, where the believers were first called 'Christians' (Acts 11:19-26), and became one of the most important Christian centres. The church in Antioch sent Paul and Barnabas out on their missionary journeys (13:1-3). After each journey, Paul returned to this church.
|
|
Antripatris
Tel Afek, Central District
Israel
32° 06' N, 34° 56' E
|
Acts
Acts 23:31
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
|
The city of Antipatris was built by Herod the Great in memory of his father Antipater. The remains of Antipatris are known today as Tel Afek
When Paul was taken from Jerusalem to Caesarea by the Roman soldiers to appear before the governor Felix, they brought him by night to Antipatris. The following day he was taken by horsemen to Caesarea (Acts 23:31).
|
|
Apollonia
Pirgos Apollonias, Kavala
Greece
40° 44' N, 24° 08' E
|
Acts
Acts 17:1
|
Road Map
|
|
Apollonia was a small town lying on the Via Egnatia, south of Lake Bolbe, which Paul and Silas passed through when travelling from Philippi to Thessalonica. No excavations have taken place here.
|
|
Arad
Negev
Israel
31° 17' N, 35° 08' E
|
Exodus and Conquest, United Monarchy, Divided monarchy
Num 21:1, 33:40, Josh 12:14
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
Madain Project
|
Arad was a Canaanite city in the Negeb inhabited at the time of Moses and Joshua. Their king attacked Israel when they began to enter the Promised Land, but was defeated by the Israelites (Josh 12:14). "When the Canaanite, the king of Arad, who lived in the Negeb, heard that Israel was coming ..." (Num 21:1, 33:40).
A fortress was built by the Kingdom of Judea probably to defend the land from the Edomites. It contained a whole temple, which is described on tablets found on the site as a 'temple to Yahweh'. Within the temple was a high place containing smooth standing stones, representing the presence of Yahweh, and altars. Remains of the incense on the altars have recently been analysed and found to contain frankincense and cannabis.
Excavation of the site of Arad began in the 1960's. It is located west of the Dead Sea, about 10 km (6 miles) west of the modern town of Arad.
A replica of the high place from Arad is displayed in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem.
|
|
Arnon (River)
Wadi Mujib
Jordan
31° 28' N, 35° 34' E
|
Exodus and Conquest
Num 21:13, Deut 2:24, Josh 12:1, Judges 11
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
|
The river Arnon is now known as the Wadi Mujib. It has seven tributaries and flows through Jordan to the Dead Sea. It flows through a deep gorge, which is now an important nature reserve with great biodiversity.
It formed the boundary between Moab to the south and the Ammonites to the north (Num 21:13). After passing through Moab, the Israelites sent messages to King Sihon of the Ammonites who would not let them pass through his land (Deut 2:24). It then formed the southern boundary of the trans-jordan tribe of Reuben (Josh 12:1). The king of the Ammonites tried to reclaim the land during the time of the judges (Judges 11).
|
|
|
|
Ashdod (Azotus)
Ashdod
Israel
31° 48' N, 34° 39' E
|
Exodus and Conquest, Post-exilic, Acts
1 Sam 5:1, 6:17, Neh 13:23, Acts 8:40
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
|
Ashdod was one of the five cities of the Philistines, known as the Pentapolis, along with Ashkelon, Ekron, Gath and Gaza (Josh 13:3). They are often named together in judgement oracles by the prophets:
"For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they carried into exile entire communities, to hand them over to Edom. So I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, fire that shall devour its strongholds. I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod, and the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn my hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish." (Amos 1:6-8).
"For Gaza will be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod's people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted." (Zeph 2:4).
"Ashkelon shall see it and be afraid; Gaza too, and shall writhe in anguish; Ekron also, because its hopes are withered. The king shall perish from Gaza; Ashkelon shall be uninhabited; a mongrel people shall settle in Ashdod, and I will make an end of the pride of Philistia." (Zech 9:5-6)
Modern Ashdod is a large city and major port in Israel. The ancient Philistine town of Ashdod lies about 6 km (4 miles) to the south-east. It is known as Azotus in Greek, and Isdud in Arabic. It is an important archaeological site known as Tel Ashdod.
In the Book of Samuel, Ashdod is described as one of the important cities of the Philistines. After the Philistines had captured the ark of the covenant from Israel, they took it to Ashdod and placed in the temple of their god, Dagon (1 Sam 5:1). The following morning the statue of Dagon had fallen on its face before the ark. Then the next day the statue had fallen and was broken. The Lord struck the people of Ashdod with tumours, after which the ark was taken to Gath, then returned to Israel (1 Sam 5:1 - 6:9).
Nehemiah criticised the people of Israel for marrying women from Ashdod and other non-Jewish cities, and having children who could not speak the language of Judah (Neh 13:23).
In the Book of Acts, Philip the evangelist found himself at Azotus after witnessing to the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:40).
|
|
Ashkelon
Ashkelon
Israel
31° 40' N, 34° 34' E
|
Exodus and Conquest
Judges 14:10-20
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
|
Ashkelon was one of the five cities of the Philistines, known as the Pentapolis, along with Ashdod, Ekron, Gath and Gaza (Josh 13:3). They are often named together in judgement oracles by the prophets:
"For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not revoke the punishment; because they carried into exile entire communities, to hand them over to Edom. So I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza, fire that shall devour its strongholds. I will cut off the inhabitants from Ashdod, and the one who holds the scepter from Ashkelon; I will turn my hand against Ekron, and the remnant of the Philistines shall perish." (Amos 1:6-8).
"For Gaza will be deserted, and Ashkelon shall become a desolation; Ashdod's people shall be driven out at noon, and Ekron shall be uprooted." (Zeph 2:4).
"Ashkelon shall see it and be afraid; Gaza too, and shall writhe in anguish; Ekron also, because its hopes are withered. The king shall perish from Gaza; Ashkelon shall be uninhabited; a mongrel people shall settle in Ashdod, and I will make an end of the pride of Philistia." (Zech 9:5-6)
Ashkelon or Ascalon was a major Philistine city on the shore of the Mediterranean Sea on the Philistine plain. It is 51 km (32 miles) south of Joppa and 19 km (12 miles) north northeast of Gaza. It is a large archaeological site to the south of the modern city of Ashkelon.
After Samson's wife explained his riddle, Samson went down to Ashkelon and killed thirty men, and gave their garments to those who had explained the riddle (Judges 14:10-20).
|
|
Assos
Ayvacik, Çanakkale Province
Turkey
39° 29' N, 26° 20' E
|
Acts
Acts 20:13
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
Turkish Museums
|
At the time of Paul's visit on his third missionary journey Assos was a larger town opposite the island of Lesbos. It has now shrunk to be the village of Behramkale, or Behram. It had an important strategic harbour. There is a significant archaeological site with wide-ranging views to the sea, containing a temple to Athene, a theatre, an agora and some remains of the ancient harbour below.
Luke does not describe any ministry that Paul did there. In Assos Paul rejoined his companions on the ship travelling to Mitylene on the island of Lesbos.
|
|
Assur
Saladin Governorate
Iraq
35° 27' N, 43° 16' E
|
Divided monarchy
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
UNESCO
|
Assur was the capital of the Old Assyrian Empire during the second millennium BC, until it was conquered by the Babylonians under Hammurabi. During the neo-Assyrian Empire the capital was moved to other cities, first of all to Calah, then to Nineveh. The ruins of Assur are on the west bank of the River Tigris about 30km (20 miles) south of Mosul in Iraq, and are now a UNESCO World Heritage site, but have been damaged during the recent conflicts.
|
|
Athens
Greece
37° 58' N, 23° 43' E
|
Acts
Acts 17:16-34
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
|
Athens has been the cultural and political centre of Greece for thousands of years. It was the most important centre of education in the Roman Empire, along with Troas and Alexandria. It is well known for its outstanding archaeological remains, including the Acropolis, temples and Agoras.
Luke recorded that Paul argued with people in the market-place (agora) every day (17:17). This is known as the Greek or Classical Agora today.
Paul gave his famous speech to the Epicurean and Stoic philosophers in front of the Areopagus on Mars Hill (17:16-31), very close to the Acropolis. There is a tablet recording Paul's speech inset into the rock.
|
|
Attalia
Antalya
Turkey
36° 53' N, 30° 42' E
|
Acts
Acts 14:25
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
|
Attalia was the port for Perga, and the main port for the province of Pamphylia, where Paul probably landed from Cyprus on his first missionary journey. It is now the city of Antalya. He sailed from here back to Antioch at the end of his first journey (14:25).
|
|
|
|
Babylon
Hillah, Babil Governorate
Iraq
32° 33' N, 44° 25' E
|
Divided monarchy, Exilic
2 Kg 25, 2 Chr 36, Daniel
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
UNESCO
|
The ancient city of Babylon was built on both sides of the River Euphrates.
It became the capital of the neo-Babylonian Empire under Nebuchadnezzar, and the location of the exile of the Jews from Judah (2 Kg 25, 2 Chr 36). The prophet Daniel became prominent in the court of Babylon.
The ruins of Babylon are near the Iraqi town of Hillah, about 85 km (53 miles) south of Baghdad.
|
|
Balawat
Nineveh Governorate
Iraq
36° 13' N, 43° 24' E
|
Divided monarchy
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
|
Balawat was a smaller town north-east of Nimrud (Calah). It is the site of the ancient Assyrian city of Imgur-Enlil, meaning 'Enlil agreed'. The city was founded by Ashurnasirpal II, with construction continuing under Shalmaneser III.
The reconstructed gates from a royal building built by Shalmaneser III in 845 BC in Balawat are displayed in the British Museum. The bronze bands are decorated with scenes of battle, including the Battle of Qarqar.
|
|
Beatitudes (Mount of)
Israel
32° 53' N, 35° 33' E
|
Gospels
Matt 5:3-10
|
Road Map
Satellite View
|
Wikipedia
Holy Land Photos
|
The site known as the Mount of Beatitudes is on the northwestern shore of the Sea of Galilee, between Capernaum and the archaeological site of Gennesaret, on the southern slopes of the Korazim Plateau.
An octagonal Catholic Church has been built as a commemorative church on the traditional site of where Jesus gave the Beatitudes (Matt 5:3-10) and the Sermon on the Mount (Matt 5-7).
The area to the south-west of the church acts as a natural amphitheatre, which would enable large crowds to hear the teaching of Jesus.
|
|
| | | |
| Adramyttium | 39.5 | 26.9333333333333 |
| Alexandria (Egypt) | 31.2 | 29.9 |
| Amphipolis | 40.8166666666667 | 23.8333333333333 |
| Antioch (Pisidia) | 38.3 | 31.1833333333333 |
| Antioch (Syria) | 36.2 | 36.1833333333333 |
| Antripatris | 32.1 | 34.9333333333333 |
| Apollonia | 40.7333333333333 | 24.1333333333333 |
| Arad | 31.2833333333333 | 35.1333333333333 |
| Arnon (River) | 31.4666666666667 | 35.5666666666667 |
| Aroer | 31.4666666666667 | 35.5666666666667 |
| Ashdod (Azotus) | 31.8 | 34.65 |
| Ashkelon | 31.6666666666667 | 34.5666666666667 |
| Assos | 39.4833333333333 | 26.3333333333333 |
| Assur | 35.45 | 43.2666666666667 |
| Athens | 37.9666666666667 | 23.7166666666667 |
| Attalia | 36.8833333333333 | 30.7 |
| Avaris / Goshen / Rameses | 30.7833333333333 | 31.8166666666667 |
| Babylon | 32.55 | 44.4166666666667 |
| Balawat | 36.2166666666667 | 43.4 |
| Beatitudes (Mount of) | 32.8833333333333 | 35.55 |
| Beer-sheba | 31.25 | 34.8333333333333 |
| Beroea | 40.5166666666667 | 22.2 |
| Beth-shemesh | 31.75 | 34.9833333333333 |
| Bethany | 31.7666666666667 | 35.2666666666667 |
| Bethany beyond the Jordan | 31.8333333333333 | 35.55 |
| Bethel | 31.9166666666667 | 35.2333333333333 |
| Bethlehem | 31.7 | 35.2 |
| Bethsaida (el-Araj) | 32.9 | 35.6166666666667 |
| Bozrah | 30.7333333333333 | 35.6 |
| Caesarea Maritima | 32.5 | 34.9 |
| Caesarea Philippi | 33.25 | 35.7 |
| Calah / Nimrud | 36.1 | 43.3333333333333 |
| Capernaum | 32.8833333333333 | 35.5833333333333 |
| Carchemish | 36.8333333333333 | 38.0166666666667 |
| Carmel (Mount) | 32.6666666666667 | 35.0833333333333 |
| Cauda | 34.8333333333333 | 24.0833333333333 |
| Cenchreae | 37.8833333333333 | 23 |
| Chios | 38.3833333333333 | 26.0666666666667 |
| Chorazin | 32.9166666666667 | 35.5666666666667 |
| Cnidus | 36.6833333333333 | 27.3833333333333 |
| Colossae | 37.7833333333333 | 29.2666666666667 |
| Corinth | 37.9 | 22.8833333333333 |
| Cos | 36.85 | 27.2333333333333 |
| Cove of the Sower | 32.8666666666667 | 35.5666666666667 |
| Cyrene | 32.8333333333333 | 21.85 |
| Damascus | 33.5166666666667 | 36.3 |
| Dan (Laish) | 33.25 | 35.65 |
| Derbe | 37.35 | 33.3666666666667 |
| Dibon | 31.5 | 35.7833333333333 |
| Ebal (Mount) | 32.2333333333333 | 35.2666666666667 |
| Ecbatana | 34.8 | 48.5166666666667 |
| Ekron | 31.7833333333333 | 34.85 |
| Elah (Valley of) | 31.6833333333333 | 34.95 |
| Ephesus | 37.9333333333333 | 27.35 |
| Fair Havens (Crete) | 34.9333333333333 | 24.8 |
| Forum of Appius | 41.7166666666667 | 12.5833333333333 |
| Gath | 31.7 | 34.85 |
| Gaza | 31.5166666666667 | 34.45 |
| Gergesa (Kursi) | 32.8333333333333 | 35.65 |
| Gerizim (Mount) | 32.2 | 35.2666666666667 |
| Geshur / Bethsaida (et-Tell) | 32.9 | 35.6333333333333 |
| Gethsemane (Garden of) | 31.7833333333333 | 35.2333333333333 |
| Gezer | 31.8666666666667 | 34.9166666666667 |
| Gibeon | 31.85 | 35.1833333333333 |
| Gilgal | 32.0333333333333 | 35.4666666666667 |
| Haran | 36.8666666666667 | 39.0333333333333 |
| Hazor | 33.0166666666667 | 35.5666666666667 |
| Hebron | 31.5333333333333 | 35.1 |
| Heshbon | 31.8 | 35.8166666666667 |
| Hieropolis | 37.9333333333333 | 29.1333333333333 |
| Iconium | 37.8666666666667 | 32.4833333333333 |
| Jabbok (River) | 32.1166666666667 | 35.55 |
| Jericho | 31.85 | 35.45 |
| Jesus Boat | 32.85 | 35.5333333333333 |
| Jezreel (Valley of) | 32.6 | 35.25 |
| Joppa (Jaffa) | 32.05 | 34.75 |
| Khorsabad | 36.5166666666667 | 43.2166666666667 |
| Kiriath-jearim | 31.8 | 35.1166666666667 |
| Lachish | 31.5666666666667 | 34.85 |
| Laodicea | 37.8333333333333 | 29.1 |
| Lasea (Crete) | 34.9333333333333 | 24.8166666666667 |
| Lydda (Lod) | 31.95 | 34.8833333333333 |
| Lystra | 37.6 | 32.3333333333333 |
| Magdala (al–Majdal) | 32.8333333333333 | 35.5166666666667 |
| Malta (St Paul's Bay) | 35.95 | 14.4 |
| Mareshah (Marisa, Beth Guvrin) | 31.6 | 34.9 |
| Megiddo | 32.5833333333333 | 35.1833333333333 |
| Memphis | 29.85 | 31.25 |
| Miletus | 37.5333333333333 | 27.2833333333333 |
| Mitylene | 39.1 | 26.55 |
| Mizpah | 31.8833333333333 | 35.2166666666667 |
| Myra (Lycia) | 36.2666666666667 | 29.9833333333333 |
| Nain | 32.6333333333333 | 35.35 |
| Nazareth | 32.7 | 35.3 |
| Neapolis | 40.9333333333333 | 24.4166666666667 |
| Nebo (Mount) | 31.7666666666667 | 35.7333333333333 |
| Nineveh | 36.35 | 43.15 |
| Olives (Mount of) | 31.7833333333333 | 35.25 |
| Paphos | 34.75 | 32.4 |
| Pasargadae | 30.2 | 53.1833333333333 |
| Patara | 36.2666666666667 | 29.3166666666667 |
| Patmos | 37.3333333333333 | 26.55 |
| Penuel (Peniel) | 32.1833333333333 | 35.7 |
| Perga | 36.9666666666667 | 30.85 |
| Pergamum | 39.1166666666667 | 27.1833333333333 |
| Persepolis | 29.9333333333333 | 52.8833333333333 |
| Philadelphia | 38.35 | 28.5166666666667 |
| Philippi | 41.0166666666667 | 24.2833333333333 |
| Phoenix | 35.1833333333333 | 24.35 |
| Pool of Gibeon | 31.85 | 35.1833333333333 |
| Ptolemais | 32.9333333333333 | 35.0833333333333 |
| Puteoli | 40.85 | 14.1 |
| Ramah | 31.85 | 35.2333333333333 |
| Rhegium | 38.1166666666667 | 15.6666666666667 |
| Rhodes | 36.1666666666667 | 27.9166666666667 |
| Salamis | 35.1833333333333 | 33.9 |
| Samaria (Sebaste) | 32.2666666666667 | 35.2 |
| Samos | 37.75 | 26.8333333333333 |
| Samothrace | 40.4833333333333 | 25.5166666666667 |
| Sardis | 38.4833333333333 | 28.0333333333333 |
| Seleucia | 36.1166666666667 | 35.9166666666667 |
| Shechem | 32.2166666666667 | 35.2833333333333 |
| Shiloh | 32.05 | 35.2833333333333 |
| Sidon | 33.5666666666667 | 35.3666666666667 |
| Smyrna | 38.4166666666667 | 27.1333333333333 |
| Socoh / Sohka | 31.6833333333333 | 34.9666666666667 |
| Succoth (Sukkot) | 32.1833333333333 | 35.5833333333333 |
| Susa | 32.1833333333333 | 48.25 |
| Sychar (Jacob's Well) | 32.2 | 35.2833333333333 |
| Syracuse | 37.0666666666667 | 15.2833333333333 |
| Syrtis | 31.5 | 18 |
| Tabor (Mount) | 32.6833333333333 | 35.3833333333333 |
| Tarsus | 36.9166666666667 | 34.9 |
| Thebes | 25.7166666666667 | 32.6166666666667 |
| Thessalonica | 40.6333333333333 | 22.9333333333333 |
| Three Taverns | 41.4333333333333 | 13.3 |
| Thyatira | 38.9166666666667 | 27.8333333333333 |
| Tirzah | 32.2833333333333 | 35.3333333333333 |
| Troas (Alexandrian Troas) | 39.75 | 26.1666666666667 |
| Tyre | 33.2666666666667 | 35.2 |
| Ur | 30.9666666666667 | 46.1 |
| Zaphon (Mount) | 35.95 | 35.9666666666667 |
|
|
|
|