Travel at the time of Jesus

Travel

Archaeology continues to uncover details of life in Jesus' times. Travel was limited: by foot or donkey. Travel was affected greatly by weather, the environment and the seasons. Some of Jesus’ journeys were around the Sea of Galilee, along the River Jordan, to Jericho and Jerusalem in the highlands and deserts. The weather, availability of food and safety of the roads would have impacted considerably on Jesus’ journeys. Jesus travelled with his disciples usually by foot and wherever he went people gathered to hear his words and to be healed. Male and female friends of Jesus gave him shelter and food on his travels.

Distances

The following table provides some useful comparisons between distances of places in the Bible. These distances could be used comparatively with familiar distances students have travelled.