Madaba Map
About Madaba Map
Madaba Map is a sixth-century Byzantine mosaic map preserved in the Greek Orthodox Church of Saint George in Madaba, Jordan. Dated to between 542 and 570 AD, it is the oldest surviving cartographic depiction of the Holy Land.
Description
The map originally measured about 21 by 7 metres and contained more than two million tesserae, depicting the eastern Mediterranean from Lebanon to the Nile Delta with Jerusalem at its centre and place names labelled in Greek. Roughly 16 by 5 metres survives. Its condition reflects a long history of damage: fire, moisture, construction work in the later church, and the earthquake that destroyed much of Madaba in 746. The surviving mosaic was uncovered during building work in 1884 and 1886, though its significance was not recognised until October 1896, and it was restored in 1965.
Biblical Connection
In a 2025 presentation on the Shiloh excavation, Scott Stripling notes that the map's surviving Byzantine Greek label for the site identifies it as the place where the Ark of the Covenant stayed, consistent with the biblical account of Shiloh's role prior to the Ark's capture by the Philistines (1 Samuel 4). This supports the traditional identification of the site with Tel Shiloh.
OT in Context is a biblical geography and archaeology platform grounded in conservative evangelical scholarship and rigorous archaeological standards. Content reflects peer-reviewed archaeological consensus and a Reformed theological framework.
Explore Madaba Map in Context
Explore the historical context of Madaba Map with OTIC's interactive maps, timeline, and Context Engine.
Open in OTIC →Free to explore. No account required to get started.
Historical Significance
Madaba Map holds significant importance in understanding the historical and cultural context of the biblical world. This archaeological discovery provides tangible evidence of the ancient world described in biblical texts. Such artifacts help bridge the gap between the biblical narrative and historical reality, offering concrete proof of the civilizations and cultures that form the backdrop of Scripture. Key themes associated with this topic include: mosaic, byzantine, cartography, jordan, holy-land.
Biblical References
Madaba Map is mentioned in several biblical passages, providing multiple perspectives on its significance in Scripture. The primary biblical references include: 1 Samuel 4.
These scriptural mentions help establish the historical and theological importance of Madaba Map within the broader biblical narrative. Each reference provides unique insights into how this element fits into God's unfolding plan and the historical context of the ancient world.
Studying these passages in their original historical context enhances our understanding of both the immediate circumstances and the broader theological implications of the biblical text.
Scripture References:
Archaeological Evidence
Archaeological research has provided valuable insights into Madaba Map and its place in the ancient world. This artifact represents direct physical evidence from the ancient world, providing tangible connections to the people and cultures described in biblical texts. Scientific analysis of such artifacts, including dating methods, material composition studies, and comparative analysis, helps establish their historical context and significance.
The field of biblical archaeology continues to evolve, with new discoveries regularly adding to our understanding of the ancient world. These findings not only support the historical reliability of biblical accounts but also enrich our appreciation for the complexity and richness of ancient Near Eastern civilizations.
Related Topics
Discover More
Explore Madaba Map and hundreds of other biblical locations, events, and figures in our interactive application.
Launch Interactive AppYou're looking at the data.
In the app, you see how it fits — mapped, timed, and cross-referenced with everything else in Scripture's world. Explore it for $1.
Try Pro — $1 for 7 days