The Madaba Map

The Madaba map is not only the oldest of all ancient Jerusalem maps to be discovered so far, it is also the oldest geographic floor mosaic ever found. It is named after the city in Jordan where it was found in 1896. Preserved in the floor of a Greek Orthodox basilica, the mosaic dates from the 6th century. It is made of 2 million pieces of colored stone.

Madaba map of ancient Jerusalem



The mosaic shows a large area that includes the Nile delta, the Mediterranean coast, the desert east of the Jordan and the city of Jerusalem at its center. Unlike most maps of Byzantine times, this one, and especially the section depicting ancient Jerusalem, is exquisitely detailed. It shows the Neva church, which was dedicated in 542 CE, but no buildings built in Jerusalem after 570 CE, which allows scholars to date the map to that time period.

You can see a reproduction of of it in the Cardo area of the Old City of Jerusalem.



Return from Madaba Map to Map of Jerusalem.

Return to Jerusalem Home page.

New! Comments

Have your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below.

Traveler's Prayer
Our Gift to You!

Tefillat Haderech

Take us with you!

Only have a day or two in Jerusalem? Download our guidebook and make the most of your time here.

Introduction to Jerusalem: A Guide to the Holy City

Introduction to Jerusalem - e-guide

"As we had limited time in Jerusalem, I purchased your mini guide book and found it very informative. Thanks!" - Brian, S. Africa



Top 5 Jerusalem Hotels

Click here for the top 5 discount hotels in Jerusalem.


Learn to Speak Hebrew:

Learn Hebrew online


Make Jerusalem part of your life:

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter.

Enter your E-mail Address
Enter your First Name (optional)
Then

Don't worry — your e-mail address is totally secure.
I promise to use it only to send you Mah Chadash - News of Jerusalem.



Jerusalem Video
The 6-min virtual tour

Jerusalem Day Video