Where Are Biblical Lands Today? 37 Ancient Sites on Modern Maps

Chuvic - March 11, 2025

The Bible maps a world of ancient places that have transformed dramatically over thousands of years. Time has reshaped these lands as empires rose and fell, languages evolved, and borders shifted. Names changed, yet the geography remains. This guide connects the dots between biblical sites and their modern counterparts, offering a bridge between sacred texts and today’s maps.

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Corinth (Modern Corinth, Greece)

This bustling Greek port received Paul’s letters in the New Testament era. Rebuilt by the Romans in 44 BCE, it maintained its name through the Byzantine and modern Greek periods. Still, Corinth, Greece, the modern city, stands distinct from nearby ancient ruins. The striking canal that cuts through the isthmus represents engineering dreams that existed even in biblical times.

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Antioch (Modern Antakya, Turkey)

An early Christian hub thrived here under Roman Syrian rule. The name shifted to “Antakya” after Turkey’s 1939 annexation of the region from Syria. Now, Antakya, Turkey, the city preserves mosaics and artifacts from its biblical past. Recent earthquakes have sadly damaged this historical treasure where believers were first called Christians, according to Acts 11.

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Canaan (Modern Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, Western Jordan)

God promised this fertile land to Abraham, where the Israelites battled locals like the Philistines after their Exodus journey. The name faded under Assyrian, Babylonian, and Roman rule as “Israel” and other regional names took hold. No,w it’s spread across parts of Israel, Palestine, Lebanon, and western Jordan. Ancient tribal boundaries that once defined the twelve tribes have given way to modern borders.

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Babylon (Modern Hillah, Iraq)

This dazzling capital was known for its famous Tower of Babel and the exile of Jews under King Nebuchadnezzar. The name stayed even as the city declined under Persian and Hellenistic rulers, eventually becoming part of Mesopotamia after Islamic conquests. You can find its ruins near Hillah in Iraq’s Babil Governorate today. Local guides often tell stories connecting the ancient city to modern Iraqi heritage.

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Ur of the Chaldees (Modern Tell el-Muqayyar, Iraq)

Abraham was born in this thriving Sumerian city with its impressive ziggurats and busy trade routes. The Chaldean label came later with Babylonian influence. Its importance decreased after 500 BCE as rivers changed course and conquests reshaped the region. Archaeological digs in the 19th century revealed its ruins in southern Iraq, where tourists now visit to see the remnants of this ancient biblical site.

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Philistia (Modern Gaza Strip and Southwestern Israel)

The coastal home of Israel’s enemies, the Philistines, included five major cities along the Mediterranean during Old Testament times. After the Assyrian conquests in the 8th century BCE, the name gradually transformed as the Romans introduced “Palaestina.” The core region now falls within the Gaza Strip and southwestern Israel, though the connection to ancient Philistines remains mostly in historical texts and archaeological finds.

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Edom (Modern Southern Jordan and Parts of Southern Israel)

This rugged, red-rock region was home to Esau’s descendants, who frequently clashed with Israel. Trade routes through the mountains made it prosperous until Nabataean and Roman takeovers in the 1st century BCE. The name disappeared, becoming “Idumea” before blending into modern Jordan. Some of the region’s most famous sites, including parts of Petra, rest in southern Jordan, where desert tourism flourishes.

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Assyria (Modern Northern Iraq, Northeastern Syria, Southeastern Turkey)

This brutal empire conquered Israel’s northern kingdom and ruled from the heart of Mesopotamia. After falling to Babylon in 612 BCE, its name declined as the region split under Ottoman and colonial influences. The ancient heartland spans northern Iraq, northeastern Syria, and southeastern Turkey today. Local museums display artifacts from this powerful biblical empire that once dominated the Middle East.

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Nineveh (Modern Mosul, Iraq)

The Assyrian capital famously repented at Jonah’s preaching before its destruction by Babylonians and Medes in 612 BCE. Its name persisted in ruins as Arabic geographers connected it to nearby “Mosul” in the Middle Ages. The ancient city lies across the Tigris from modern Mosul, Iraq. Sadly, recent conflicts have damaged many archaeological remains of this once-great biblical city.

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Damascus (Modern Damascus, Syria)

This ancient trade hub witnessed Paul’s conversion and dates back to Genesis 14 as a Canaanite settlement. Unlike many biblical places, its name endured through Assyrian, Roman, and Islamic rule, though spelled “Dimashq” in Arabic since the 7th century CE. Still Damascus, Syria, it claims to be among the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with ancient streets running alongside modern developments.

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Jericho (Modern Jericho/Ariha, West Bank, Palestine)

Famous for Joshua’s trumpet-toppled walls, this city claims to be humanity’s oldest. Its name barely changed through the Canaanite, Israelite, and Roman periods, becoming “Ariha” in Arabic after the 7th century CE. Located in the West Bank, Palestine, modern Jericho attracts tourists to its archaeological sites. The oasis city continues to thrive where ancient walls once stood.

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Hebron (Modern Hebron/Al-Khalil, West Bank, Palestine)

This sacred site housed Abraham’s tomb and served as David’s first capital. The name remained stable, though Arabic speakers call it “Al-Khalil,” meaning “friend” of God, following the 7th century Islamic conquests. Located in the West Bank, Palestine, it remains significant to multiple faiths. The tomb of the patriarchs stands as a testament to the city’s enduring religious importance.

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Bethel (Modern Beitin, West Bank, Palestine)

Jacob dreamed of a ladder to heaven here, making it a holy Israelite shrine later condemned for idolatry. Its prominence faded after Roman times, with the name linked to “Beitin” in Arabic during the Middle Ages. Found near Beitin in the West Bank, Palestine, today, archaeological digs have uncovered remnants of this once-important religious center where ancient altars once stood.

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Shechem (Modern Nablus, West Bank, Palestine)

Abraham built an altar here, and Joshua made his covenant at this Canaanite-turned-Israelite hub. Romans destroyed it in 67 CE, rebuilding it as “Neapolis,” which became “Nablus” after the 7th century Islamic conquests. Located in the West Bank, Palestine, modern Nablus sits in a valley between mountains where ancient traditions and modern life blend in busy markets and historical sites.

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Tyre (Modern Tyre/Sour, Lebanon)

This Phoenician port supplied materials for Solomon’s temple and faced Ezekiel’s prophecies of doom. Its name survived as Hellenistic “Tyrus” and Arabic “Sour” after the 7th century CE. Now Tyre (Sour), Lebanon, the coastal city features Roman ruins and harbors where ancient ships once docked. Fishermen still cast nets from shores where Phoenician traders once launched vessels.

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Sidon (Modern Sidon/Saida, Lebanon)

Tyre’s sister Phoenician city traded with Israel and was Jezebel’s birthplace. The name evolved to “Saida” in Arabic after the 7th century Islamic era. Sidon (Saida), Lebanon, is a Mediterranean port that blends ancient ruins with a busy modern city. Fish restaurants line harbors where Phoenician vessels once launched trading expeditions that brought wealth to biblical lands.

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Goshen (Modern Eastern Nile Delta, Egypt)

This fertile Egyptian region sheltered the Israelites during Joseph’s rise to power. The distinct regional name vanished after the Exodus, absorbed into Egypt’s Delta under Roman rule and later Arabic naming. Today it’s part of the eastern Nile Delta, Egypt, where fertile farms still benefit from the same rich soil that sustained the ancient Israelites during their time in Egypt.

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Moab (Modern Central-Western Jordan)

East of the Dead Sea lay this nation descended from Lot’s lineage and the birthplace of Ruth. Frequent battles with Israel marked its history until the Assyrian and Persian rule in the 6th century BCE dissolved its identity. Arabic names replaced “Moab” as Jordan was formed in the 20th century. Today, tourists visit the region to see the stunning landscapes and archaeological sites that dot central-western Jordan.

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Ammon (Modern Amman, Jordan)

Another nation descended from Lot frequently feuded with Israel. Its capital, Rabbah, featured prominently in biblical accounts. The name faded under Assyrian dominance in the 7th century BCE, evolving through Hellenistic “Philadelphia” into the Arabic “Amman.” No,w Jordan’s bustling capital city, Amman, spreads across hills where ancient citadels overlook modern urban sprawl, connecting past and present.

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Paddan Aram (Modern Southeastern Turkey and Northern Syria)

Home to Abraham’s relatives, this fertile plain existed within Aram’s territory. The name disappeared with Assyria’s collapse in the 7th century BCE, becoming part of “Upper Mesopotamia” under subsequent empires. Now spanning southeastern Turkey and northern Syria, the region’s rolling plains still support agriculture as they did when biblical patriarchs sought wives from their distant relatives there.

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Shinar (Modern Southern Iraq)

The Tower of Babel rose here among early Mesopotamian kingdoms. As Babylon declined in the 6th century BCE, the name faded, eventually becoming part of “Iraq” through Arabic and Ottoman influence. Southern Mesopotamia, Iraq today contains ruins from this biblical heartland. Archaeologists continue to uncover evidence of ancient ziggurats that may have inspired the famous tower story.

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Galilee (Modern Northern Israel)

Jesus based his ministry in this lush region under Roman rule. The name persisted through Hellenistic, Byzantine, and modern eras, untouched by Israel’s 1948 statehood. Still northern Israel today, it features the Sea of Galilee where fishing boats echo those of Jesus’ disciples. Tourists visit sites of biblical miracles while locals farm the same fertile slopes their ancestors did.

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Samaria (Modern Sebastia, West Bank, Palestine)

The northern kingdom’s capital fell to Assyria in 722 BCE and later housed the Samaritans. Romans renamed it “Sebastia” in the 1st century CE, with Arabic naming following in the 7th century. Near modern-day Sebastia in the West Bank, Palestine, archaeological remains reveal columns and stones from multiple eras. A small community of Samaritans still practices ancient traditions nearby.

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Gilead (Modern Northwestern Jordan)

This balm-rich hill country east of the Jordan River was divided among Israelite tribes. Roman conquests in the 1st century BCE diminished the name’s use until it blended into Jordan’s landscape in the 20th century. Northwestern Jordan now occupies this biblical region. Hillsides still produce herbs and plants, though the famous “balm of Gilead” has become more metaphorical than medicinal.

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Ephesus (Modern Selçuk, Turkey)

Paul preached in this Roman city, home to an early church mentioned in Revelation. The name persisted until its decline in the 5th century CE when nearby “Selçuk” arose in Turkish during the Middle Ages. Located near modern Selçuk, Turkey, impressive ruins attract tourists to marble streets where early Christians once walked. The grand library facade and theater remain particularly well-preserved.

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Haran (Modern Harran, Turkey)

Abraham stopped here on his journey from Ur, a trade hub connected to his family. The name evolved to “Harran” through Aramaic and Arabic influence after the 7th century Islamic era. Located in southeastern Turkey, distinctive beehive houses still dot the landscape. Local traditions preserve connections to the biblical patriarch who received divine guidance in this ancient place.

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Joppa (Modern Jaffa/Yafo, Tel Aviv, Israel)

Jonah fled from there, and Peter raised Tabitha in this key Israelite port. It became “Jaffa” (Yafo) under Hellenistic influence and joined with Tel Aviv in 1950. Now Jaffa, within Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, its ancient port has transformed into an artistic district. Orange groves that once surrounded the city have given way to urban growth and tourism.

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Capernaum (Modern Archaeological Site, Northern Israel)

Jesus centered his ministry in this Galilean fishing village. Abandoned by the 11th century, its name shifted to “Kfar Nahum” in Hebrew as 19th-century excavations uncovered its ruins. Now an archaeological site in northern Israel, visitors can see the synagogue where Jesus likely taught. Stone homes cluster around it, preserving the layout of the town that witnessed many biblical miracles.

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Bethsaida (Modern Site near Sea of Galilee, Israel)

Home to several apostles and site of miracles, this town sat near Galilee’s shore. Its identity faded after 4th century abandonment, with archaeologists debating its exact location in the 20th century. Near the Sea of Galilee, Israel, possible sites include et-Tell and el-Araj. Ongoing digs continue to uncover evidence about this fishing village where Jesus healed the blind.

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Gaza (Modern Gaza City, Gaza Strip, Palestine)

This Philistine stronghold imprisoned Samson and served as a coastal trade hub. Its name survived Persian, Roman, and Arabic rule after the 7th century CE. Now Gaza City in the Gaza Strip, Palestine. Its ancient history lies beneath a densely populated urban area. Despite conflicts, the city maintains connections to its biblical past through oral traditions and scattered archaeological remains.

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Ai (Modern Site near Deir Dibwan, West Bank, Palestine)

Joshua’s forces conquered this Canaanite city east of Bethel. The name disappeared after Roman times, with scholars connecting it to “Et-Tell” or nearby locations in the 19th century. Near Deir Dibwan in the West Bank, Palestine today, archaeological excavations continue to seek conclusive evidence of the biblical battle. Stone foundations and pottery shards offer clues to this ancient settlement.

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Midian (Modern Northwestern Saudi Arabia and Southern Jordan)

Moses fled to this land east of the Red Sea, home to nomadic tribes. Its distinct identity dissolved after Nabataean and Roman influences in the 1st century BCE. Now northwestern Saudi Arabia and southern Jordan, the region remains sparsely populated. Desert landscapes continue to challenge inhabitants just as they did in Moses’s time when he tended flocks there.

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Thessalonica (Modern Thessaloniki, Greece)

Paul planted a church in this thriving Roman city. Its name gently evolved to “Thessaloniki” in Greek, remaining stable through Byzantine and modern eras. Still, Thessaloniki, Greece, the modern port city, preserves Roman arches and Byzantine churches. The vibrant university town balances its biblical heritage with contemporary Greek culture along the shores where Paul once arrived by ship.

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Iconium (Modern Konya, Turkey)

Paul visited this Roman city in Asia Minor during his missionary journeys. Turkish rule after the Seljuk conquests in the 11th century CE transformed the name to “Konya.” Now Konya, Turkey, the city is known for Sufi traditions that developed long after Paul’s visit. Islamic architecture dominates the skyline where early Christians once gathered secretly in homes.

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Patmos (Modern Patmos, Greece)

John wrote Revelation on this Roman exile island in the Aegean. Its name remained unchanged through Byzantine and modern Greek periods despite its small size. Still, Patmos, Greece, the island, attracts religious pilgrims to the cave where tradition says John received his visions. Whitewashed monasteries crown the hills of this now-peaceful tourist destination.

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Bethlehem (Modern Bethlehem/Bayt Lahm, West Bank, Palestine)

Jesus was born in this modest town, which is also David’s hometown. The name endured through various rulers, slightly shifting to “Bayt Lahm” in Arabic after the 7th century CE. Now, Bethlehem, West Bank, Palestine, draws pilgrims to the Church of the Nativity. Artisans craft olive wood nativity scenes sold to visitors who walk streets where Mary and Joseph once sought shelter.

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Golgotha (Modern Site within Jerusalem, Israel)

Jesus was crucified at this “Place of the Skull” near Jerusalem. The distinct site name faded, absorbed into Jerusalem under Roman and Christian influence and marked by the 4th-century Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Within Jerusalem, Israel today, this church draws Christian pilgrims from around the world. Stone slabs worn smooth by countless kneeling worshippers mark this somber biblical location.

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Conclusion

The names may have changed, but these places still exist. Some thrive as modern cities, while others remain as archaeological sites for tourists and scholars to explore. Biblical lands continue to shape world politics, religion, and culture. They offer tangible connections to ancient stories that billions still read today. Standing where prophets preached, kings ruled, and faith was born connects us to history in powerful ways.

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