East of the Jordan

In the early years of archaeological excitement in the environment of the biblical world, Merrill traveled through what is today Jordan on an extended journey and wrote this engaging account of his travels and explorations. Copiously illustrated with line drawings and etchings of the monuments and notable sights he encountered, his descriptions still retain their compelling voice. Beginning in biblical Bashan, he journeyed to Hauran and around the region of the Sea of Galilee. Traveling south through the Holy Land he thoroughly explored the Jordan Valley, describing its features in great detail. The regions of Nebo, the Jabbok, and Gilead are presented before a visit to the Decapolis region and a sojourn in the Golan. Interspersed with personal anecdotes that create a distinctive travelogue feel, the narrative also contains substantial historical information. The final few chapters describe the life of the Bedouin in the desert. An historical account of travels around an area that would soon blossom into an archaeological haven, this journal is worth exploration for its contribution to a new discipline.

Selah Merrill (1837-1909) was a Congregationalist minister and archaeologist for the American Palestine Exploration Society. He studied at Yale University and New Haven Theological Seminary. He taught at Andover Theological Seminary.