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Jericho is a town located near the Jordon river in the West Bank. The archaeologists claim that Jericho is over 10,000 years old and it the most ancient known walled city in the world. Tel Jericho in Jericho is one of the most important place in the town of Jericho. Just a few kilometers away to the northwest of Jericho's central square is Tel Jericho, located opposite the Elisha's Spring. Tel Jericho in Jericho marks the location of the ancient Jericho city. In the year 1860 the archaeological investigation of the place began but the ultimate success was achieved by the excavations done by the British in the years 1930-31. A detailed investigation done around the 1950s by Kathleen Kenyon symbolized an important step towards advancement. Tel Jericho in Jericho is 21m/69ft high and it covers an area of about 40,000sq.m/44,000sq.y. When Kathleen Kenyon carried on the investigation of the place he discovered the oldest signs of the human settlement almost dating back to 8000 B.C . He also discovered 23 occupation levels of that ancient time. The most remarkable feature of the place is the wide trench cut by the archaeologist through the hill. This was done mainly to discover the different occupation levels down to the unruffled soil. In the trench the visitors can look at the Neolithic town which dates back to 7000 B.C. The town has a portion of the town wall and along with that a 9m/30ft high circular tower constructed against it. There is an entrance on the eastern side of the old town which leads to the 22 steps of a spiral staircase and then to an opening higher up. There is a watch tower just by the side of the Well on the eastern side of the city which is supposed to be the city gate. The Tel Jericho in Jericho is an interesting place to visit for the tourists, especially for the history lovers.
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