The Ark Crosses the Jordan

5th century, with medieval and modern restorations
Mosaic
Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

See Joshua 2:1-22 (cached)

In the upper register the waters of the Jordan flow backward so that the people can cross, carrying the Ark.  In the lower register, Joshua sends spies into Jericho.

This is part of the extensive series of Old Testament scenes portrayed in mosaics along the two walls of the nave. Click here for links to several of the others.

More of Abraham

Photographed at the site by Richard Stracke