The site is identified by an
inscription in four lines. The three lines following the name
are in red cubs.
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Bethabara (John 1:28) "beyond
the Jordan, where John was baptizing" for repentance,
and the place is known and to this day many of the brothers,
that is, of the believers, who desire to be reborn receive
the baptism in that life-giving stream. (Eusebius, Onomasticon
58:18-20; Jerome 59:19-21)
At the place where the Lord was baptized is a marble column,
and on top of it has been set an iron cross. There also is the
Church of Saint John Baptist, which was erected by Emperor Anastasius.
It stands on great vaults which are high enough for the times
when the Jordan is in flood. The monks who reside at this church
each receive six gold coins a year from the Treasury for their
livelihood. (Theodosius, De situ Terrae Sanctae, 20)
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