Iraq

A natural gas vent in Iraq called the Eternal Flame has been burning for over 4000 years. This is believed to be the “Fiery Furnace” referenced in the Old Testament book of Daniel.

Jordan

While not confirmed, it is likely that the Wiseman picked up frankincense and myrrh in Petra on the way to visit Jesus. Additionally, Wadi Rum in Jordan is the set to numerous iconic movies including Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Lawrence of Arabia, Red Planet, and The Martian.

Israel/Palestine

Israel: In 1993, the golden covering of the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was refurbished following a donation of $8.2 million by King Hussein of Jordan who sold one of his houses in London to fund the 80 kilograms of gold required.

Palestine: There is a youth orchestra called the West-Eastern Divan Orchestra made up of top Israeli and Palestinian musicians to promote peace in the Middle East. They will be touring in the US in February and March of 2020.

Egypt

In ancient Egypt, any books found in ships coming into port would be brought immediately to the library of Alexandria and be copied. The original would be kept in the library and the copy given back to the owner.

Libya

Cyrene was an ancient Greek and Roman city near present-day Shahhat, Libya. It was the oldest and most important of the five Greek cities in the region. It gave eastern Libya the classical name Cyrenaica that it has retained to modern times. Since 1982, it has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lebanon

Authentic jewelry is one of the most exported goods from Lebanon to the world, especially to Middle Eastern countries. Another interesting fact about Lebanon was that the first law school in the world began in Lebanon in 551 A.D.

Sudan

There are nearly 200 pyramids in Sudan called the Meroe Pyramids. There are more standing pyramids in Sudan than in Egypt! These pyramids were built over 2000 years ago.

Tunisia

Tunisia is home to one of the largest Roman amphitheaters in the world! This still standing amphitheater is called El Jem and would have been able to seat about 35,000 people. Additionally, Tatooine, a planet in the Star Wars film, “Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope,” was filmed in the southern desert of Tunisia.

Syria

According to some scholars, Mount Qaison near Damascus was the place where Cain, son of Adam and Eve, killed his brother Abel with a rock. Syria is also home to where Paul, previously known as Saul who would murder Christians, encountered Jesus and converted to Christianity.