Hermon Stream Nature Reserve preserves the springs of Banias, بانياس الحولة, where water descending through Mount Hermon emerges as one of the principal…
Hermon Stream Nature Reserve preserves the springs of Banias, بانياس الحولة, where water descending through Mount Hermon emerges as one of the principal headwaters of the River Jordan. The stream begins near the ruins of ancient Banias and passes through a steep channel before joining the wider Jordan river system. Archaeological remains around the spring span the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and early Islamic periods, recording the long settlement of this water-rich point between Damascus, the Hula Valley and northern Palestine. Banias in Muslim history Arab geographers and historians knew the town as Banias. Its position on the approaches between Damascus and Palestine gave it strategic importance during the campaigns against the Crusader states. Muslim and Frankish forces contested Banias repeatedly during the 12th century, and Nur al-Din Mahmud ibn Zangi recovered the town during his effort to reunite the cities and fortresses of Bilad al-Sham. Salahuddin al-Ayubi later campaigned around Banias while confronting Crusader forces along the Damascus road. The medieval town survived under Ayyubid and Mamluk rule, while its springs continued to sustain farms and watermills. The reserve now encompasses both the source of the Banias stream and remains from the settlements that developed beside it.