The settlement of Bethany, recently identified on the south bank of the small perennial stream named Wadi Kharrar, just east of the Jordan River, is believed to be the site where John the Baptist lived and baptized in the early part of his ministry. It is also the place where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. A small natural hill forming the core of Bethany is called Elijah's Hill, or Tell Mar Elias in Arabic. Local tradition for thousands of years has identified it as the place from where Elijah ascended to heaven. Bethany's ancient remains include structures from the 1st Century AD settlement of John the Baptist, including large plastered pools with steps for full immersion.