Jordan launched an exhibition exploring the country's Christian heritage in Rome. Titled "Jordan: Dawn of Christianity," the exhibition is organized by the Jordanian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in collaboration with the Vatican and is being held at the Palazzo della Cancelleria in Rome.
Featuring over 90 artifacts, the exhibition narrates the history of Christianity in Jordan from its beginnings to the present day. Visitors can embark on a journey through mosaics and ancient symbols like the Ichthys, presenting interactive historical narratives.
"The treasures in the exhibition reflect not only how Christianity began but also how it has continued to thrive and flourish in Jordan until the present day," the organizers stated, according to Adnkronos. The artifacts were selected from approximately 34 archaeological sites in Jordan and are being exhibited abroad for the first time, reported Al-Ghad.
The exhibition includes five pilgrimage sites recognized by the Vatican: Tel Mar Elias, the birthplace of the prophet Elijah; Our Lady of the Mountain, a sanctuary commemorating the Virgin Mary; Mount Nebo, the final resting place of the prophet Moses; Machaerus, where the martyrdom of John the Baptist is told; and the site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Maghtas) on the Jordan River.
"The site of the Baptism of Jesus Christ (Maghtas) is where John the Baptist baptized Jesus, marking the very beginning of Christianity," the organizers explained. "Pilgrims can connect with the very waters of this significant event," the organizers added, according to Al-Ghad.
"Our country is home to a historic Christian community. All our citizens actively share in building our strong nation. Indeed, Christians have been part of Middle Eastern societies for thousands of years and are vital to the future of our region," King Abdullah II said, according to The Jordan Times.
The exhibition coincides with the Vatican's Jubilee Year themed "Pilgrims of Hope," which is considered a holy year.
The exhibition was inaugurated in the presence of Lina Annab, the Minister of Tourism and Antiquities of Jordan, along with officials including Abed Al Razzaq Arabiyat, the Director General of the Jordan Tourism Board, and a team from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Jordan Tourism Board, and the Department of Antiquities, as reported by The Jordan Times. A formal delegation from the Jordanian Senate, including the Jordanian Ambassador to Italy, Qais Abu Dieh, also attended.
Annab stated that the exhibition is part of a long-term plan to introduce the world to the history of Christianity and Islam in Jordan, emphasizing the efforts of King Abdullah II in preserving the Christian presence in the region. "Visiting the exhibition 'Jordan: Dawn of Christianity' means celebrating the message of peace, hope, and love from the land where it all began," she said, according to Adnkronos.
This article was written in collaboration with generative AI company Alchemiq