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Archelais

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Archelais was an important ancient town in the Jordan Valley, established by Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, to serve as a center for his date palm plantations. Now identified as the archaeological site of Khirbet el-Beiyudat, it reveals a fascinating history spanning several centuries. The site's crowning glory is a 6th-century Byzantine church, which features some of the region's most exquisite floor mosaics. These mosaics are decorated with intricate geometric designs and Greek inscriptions that identify local religious figures, providing a clear picture of the community's social structure during the late Roman and Byzantine periods. Archelais relied on an advanced irrigation network to flourish in the arid climate, demonstrating the engineering prowess of the time. The town's strategic location north of Jericho made it a vital stop for travelers and traders. For modern visitors and scholars, Archelais remains a significant site for understanding the agricultural and ecclesiastical development of Palestine during the transition from ancient to early medieval times.

Location: Palestinian Territories
Nearby: Jericho (9 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	13	16	20	24	28	30	30	28	24	18	14
Rain mm	63	58	32	15	6	1	0	1	1	8	29	52

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The archaeological ruins of Archelais can generally be visited from the outside as part of the broader Jordan Valley landscape, though formalized tourist infrastructure is limited. Inside access to specific excavations like the Byzantine church remains may depend on ongoing archaeological work.

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Typical hours

Since this is an open-air archaeological site without formal gates, it is typically accessible during standard daylight hours throughout the year. It is strongly recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the intense midday heat typical of the Jordan Valley.

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Photography

Photography is freely permitted across the ruins, offering wonderful opportunities to capture the ancient Byzantine church foundations against the stark valley backdrop. Drones may be subject to local security regulations, so checking beforehand is advisable.

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Time needed

A comprehensive exploration of the visible foundations and the surrounding historical landscape usually takes between one and two hours. History enthusiasts might spend slightly more time examining the layout of the ancient settlement.

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Combine with

This visit pairs excellently with a trip to the nearby ancient city of Jericho, which features extensive historical sites and modern amenities. Exploring the wider Jordan Valley and its natural springs can make for a fulfilling full-day itinerary.

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Getting there

Reaching the site typically requires a private vehicle or a hired taxi from a major nearby city like Jericho, as public transportation directly to the ruins is very limited. The approach may involve driving on unpaved local roads, so a sturdy vehicle is recommended.

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Insider tip

Wear sturdy, closed-toe walking shoes to navigate the uneven terrain and rocky remains safely, and bring plenty of drinking water, as there are typically no facilities available on-site.

Geography

Coordinates

31.94420, 35.45140

Facts

The city was founded around 4 BCE as a planned royal settlement.
Archelaus diverted water from a nearby village to irrigate his date groves.
The site is depicted on the famous 6th-century Madaba Mosaic Map.
The excavated basilica dates to the late 5th or early 6th century.
Inscriptional evidence mentions a bishop named Porphyrios.
The mosaics cover an area of over 150 square meters in the church nave.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Al-Auja Spring2 km · SExplore →

Hisham's Palace6 km · WExplore →

Mount of Temptation Monastery7 km · WExplore →

Ein es-Sultan Spring7 km · WExplore →

Jericho Date Plantations7 km · WExplore →

Jericho9 km · WExplore →

St. George's Monastery10 km · SWExplore →

Wadi el-Makkuk Nature Reserve10 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Start Destination Via (optional)

Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Archelais (1)

Mosque📍 landmark

This unnamed mosque in the region of Archelais is a simple place of prayer for the Muslim community on the edge of the Jordan Valley.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What was Archelais in antiquity?

Archelais was an ancient city founded by Herod Archelaus near the Jordan Valley.

Is the place easily accessible?

Access can be difficult as it leads through agricultural areas; pre-research is advisable.

Are there entrance fees there?

No, as it is not a managed tourist site, there is no entrance fee.

When should one visit Archelais?

In the winter months, as the Jordan Valley is extremely hot in summer and unsuitable for outdoor activities.

Are there protection measures for the site?

The site is largely unprotected, so one should proceed with great care when visiting to avoid damaging anything.

Archelais: where is it located?

Archelais is located in Palestinian Territories.

Archelais: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

Archelais: why is it worth visiting?

Archelais was an important ancient town in the Jordan Valley, established by Archelaus, son of Herod the Great, to serve as a center for his date palm plantations.

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