This place was called Panias by the Greeks, thus its modern name is Banias because the Arabs cannot pronounce the P, but said B instead.  The river flows from cracks in the rocks from dry ground to a river within a few feet of space.  It is an artesian spring.  It springs from the base of Mt. Hermon a peak high above the surrounding region about 9,232 feet high.  It was covered with snow in the coldest months and sometimes obscured by clouds.  During the first century AD second temple times, Jesus visited this city.  Phillip the brother of Herod had his capitol in this location.