25. What are the main features of the Jordan Valley?

²⁵ This entire gulleylike descending valley is also called “the Arabah.” (Deut. 3:17) The Arabs today refer to it as The Ghor, meaning “Depression.” The valley starts at the Sea of Galilee and is generally broad​—being about 12 miles [19 km] wide in places. The Jordan River itself lies about 150 feet [46 m] below the valley plain, turning and twisting in a course of 200 miles [320 km] to cover the 65 miles [105 km] to the Dead Sea.e

The plains in the northern part of The Ghor, or Arabah, are well cultivated. Even in the southern part, toward the Dead Sea, the plateau of the Arabah, which is today very arid, at one time is said to have produced numerous kinds of dates, as well as many other tropical fruits. Jericho was and still is the most famous city in the Jordan Valley.​—Josh. 6:2, 20; Mark 10:46.