Mark Twain’s Journeys in the Holy Land – Day 12, September 28th
Mark Twain and his Quaker City companions spent another full day touring Jerusalem, recalling many biblical events and stories from the old and new testaments, and from Muslim tradition as well. There is also mention in his journal of the crusades, in referring to Godfrey of Bouillon. The group enjoyed vast views across the land when they reached the top of the Mount of Olives and were able to take in the Jordan valley, the Dead Sea, the Mountains of Moab, and many more landmarks. Read excerpts below.
Regarding the date listed in the journal, see here.
Excerpted from Mark Twain’s Notebook 9:
Jerusalem.
Sept. 27 – …passed Jaffa gate… crossed Hinnom Valley…. climbed the Hill of Evil Council.
….Saw where the altar of Moloch stood…. drank at Job’s well (near Sultana’s).
….The King’s Gardens all along – & the King’s well. Passed by he curious old Village of Siloam….
Virgin Mary’s Fountain.
Proceeded to the Garden of Gethsemane….
Turned up to left, past St Agnes & Virgin Mary’s Tombs & ascended to top of Mount of Olives
….saw plainly the Jordan, its valley, the Dead Sea & the Mountains of Moab.
….abreast of the Damascus gate (north), came to the noblest stateliest tree in Palestine – Godfrey de Bulloigne’s tree where he camped….
Went through the Via Dolorosa.
This video shows aerial views from the Old City of Jerusalem. Check out youtube for some great 4K and drone videos across the city and the country: