Dan River (Middle East)

The Dan River (Nahr Dan in Arabic and Hebrew: נחל דן, Nahal Dan) is the largest of the three principal sources of the Jordan River. The other two are the Banias River and the Hatzbani River (also known as the Snir River).

The Dan River originates from a high-discharge karstic spring at the foot of Mount Hermon. It is located within the Tel Dan Nature Reserve in northern Israel. The water source is primarily snow melt from Mount Hermon.

The river flows southward, joining the Banias and Hatzbani rivers before eventually emptying into the Sea of Galilee (Lake Kinneret). The confluence of these three rivers forms the upper Jordan River. The Dan River contributes a significant portion of the Jordan's overall water volume, and its consistent flow is vital for the regional water supply.

The area surrounding the Dan River is of historical and archaeological significance. The ancient city of Tel Dan, located near the spring, was an important Canaanite and Israelite settlement. Archaeological excavations at Tel Dan have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back to the Neolithic period, and have provided valuable insights into the region's history and culture.