PLACES IN THE NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26777, 21 May 1948, Page 5

PLACES IN THE NEWS

Beit: In many of the place names which have come into prominence in Palestine, the prefix “Beit” has been common. Beit is an Arabic word signifying “ house,” “ abode.” or “ place,” the Hebrew equivalent of which is the equally frequently noticed “ Beth.” In both languages it is employed in place names; thus, in the former, there is Beit el Hararri, “the house of the sanctuary ”or “ the sacred house and in the latter, Bethel, “ house of God”; Bethany, “house of dates”; and Bethlehem, “ house of bread.” Beisan: At the base of the Valley of Jezreel, Beisan was the ancient Bathshean, or Beth-shan, the original Hebrew name meaning, “ House of Security.” The. outstanding high mound of Beisan, known,, to-day as Tell el Husn (the Fortress Hill), dominates the Jordan Valley at one of its widest and most fertile points. Excavations conducted at this Arab village have laid bare ruins like a tangible history book, fascinating and thoroughly documented. The actors who have crossed the stage of Beth-shan. or Scythopolis as it was known during some eras, include Canaanites, Egyptians, Hittites, Babylonians, Philistines, Israelites, Scythians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines. Arabs and Crusaders. It is one of the few ancient places of settlement on the west side of the Jordan which has escaped the cloak of anonymity. On the old walls of the town the bodies of Saul and his sons were impaled by the Philistines after the defeat of the Israelites in .the battle of Mount Gilboa