There are also mosaic inlays in some of the architecture of the famous church here.

This area is one of the most important recent discoveries in biblical archeology.

Excavations only began here in 1996, following Jordan's peace treaty with Israel in 1994, but have already uncovered more than 20 churches, caves, and baptismal pools dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

Although the identification is not absolutely certain, archeology has shown that the area known as Wadi Kharrar has long been believed to be the biblical Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John the Baptist lived and Jesus was baptized.

This area is also associated with the ascension of the Prophet Elijah into Heaven, which is commemorated at a hill called Tell Mar Elias.