Iturea
Archimandrite Nikifor’s Biblical Encyclopedia
(Luke 3:1) - a region southeast of Mount Hermon. It received its name from Jetur, a son of Ishmael, and at present is called Jedur by the Arabs. The territory of Iturea bordered Trachonitis and Gaulanitis on the east and south. The ancient Roman road from Damascus to Tiberias passes through the center of Iturea. Its eastern parts are generally elevated and hilly; in the south its soil is fertile. The first reference to Iturea is found in 1 Chronicles 5:19-23, in the form Jetur, in the account of the invasion of the Hagrites.
Several Greek and Roman writers mention Iturea in their works, including Strabo, Pliny, Cicero, Virgil, and others. Most of these classical authors describe the Itureans as celebrated archers and raiders. The only New Testament reference to Iturea is in Luke 3:1. Ancient writers often confused Iturea with Auranitis; although the two regions lay near one another, they were undoubtedly distinct.