Scientists reveal exactly where Jesus was born - and say it probably WASN'T in Bethlehem
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With Christmas just around the corner, carol concerts and nativity plays will be reminding Christians everywhere about the story of Jesus' birth. However, whether you're singing 'O Little Town of Bethlehem' or dressing your child up as Sheep Number Three, experts say you might be getting the story wrong.
![[According to the traditional story, Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem (pictured) which was part of the ancient region of Judea]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/11/93310037-14209211-image-a-4_1734609112068.jpg)
While it is taken as given that Jesus was born on Christmas Day in the town of Bethlehem, this account likely doesn't match the historical reality. In fact, many historians and archaeologists don't believe that Jesus was born at Bethlehem at all. While there is almost no denying that Jesus was a real historical figure, the story laid out in the gospel contains historical details and contradictions which don't quite fit.
![[The town of Bethlehem in the Palestinian West Bank is now a hub for pilgrims who flock to the Grotto of the Nativity (pictured), believed to be the birthplace of Jesus]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/11/93310023-14209211-image-a-3_1734609031795.jpg)
The story of Bethlehem, shepherds, wise men, and a manger may have only emerged later as Christians tried to tie Jesus' story into an ancient Jewish prophecy. Instead, some experts suggest that Jesus would have been born 68 miles (175km) away in the small town of Nazareth.
![[Despite Bethlehem being home to the Church of the Holy Nativity (pictured) which claims to be Jesus' birthplace, the earliest Biblical sources actually make no mention of the town]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/11/93310025-14209211-image-a-8_1734609229213.jpg)
Some archaeologists even suggest that Jesus could have been born in a second Bethlehem just 4 miles (7km) away from Mary and David's hometown. Despite what you might have heard about the Nativity, experts say that Jesus probably wasn't born in the little town of Bethlehem (stock image).
![[Experts agree that the Roman census which the Gospel of Luke says brought the holy family to Bethlehem almost certainly never happened (stock image)]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/11/93310031-14209211-image-a-5_1734609178758.jpg)
According to the traditional story laid out in Christian belief, Jesus was born in a manger in a town called Bethlehem of Judea. This town, about six miles south of Jerusalem, is now located in a part of the Palestinian West Bank and has become a key point of pilgrimage for Christians around the world.
![[As a person from Galilee, experts think Jesus would have had dark skin, brown eyes, and short curly hair. For clothing, he would have worn a simple knee-length tunic and a woollen mantle]](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2024/12/19/11/92621863-14209211-Unlike_so_many_of_our_modern_interpretations_experts_think_Jesus-a-6_1734609206935.jpg)
