Jordan Irbid History: A Look at the Ancient City



Jordan Irbid is an ancient city located in the north of Jordan, near the border with Syria. It is the third largest city in the country and has a population of around 600,000 people. Irbid has a long and rich history that dates back to the Bronze Age and beyond. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and has played an important role in the region’s history.

The earliest known settlement in Irbid dates back to the Bronze Age, around 2000 BC. During this period, the city was known as Arbela and was part of the Canaanite civilization. It was later conquered by the Assyrians and then by the Babylonians. The city was then ruled by the Persians, Greeks, and Romans, until it was conquered by the Umayyad Caliphate in the 7th century.

During the Umayyad period, Irbid became an important commercial center and was known for its trade in spices, textiles, and other goods. The city was also an important religious center, with several mosques, shrines, and other religious sites located within the city.

In the 11th century, the city was conquered by the Crusaders and then by the Mamluks in the 12th century. During this period, Irbid was an important stop on the pilgrimage route to Mecca and Medina. The city was also an important center of learning, with several madrasas (schools) being established in the city.

In the 16th century, the Ottoman Empire conquered Irbid and ruled the city until the early 20th century. During this period, the city was an important center of trade and commerce. It was also an important center of Islamic scholarship, with several prominent scholars, such as al-Hajjaj bin Yusuf and Ibn al-Qayyim, living in the city.

In the 20th century, Irbid became part of the newly formed Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. Since then, the city has continued to grow and develop. Today, it is an important economic center in the region, with several universities, hospitals, and other institutions located in the city.

Irbid is also an important cultural center, with several museums, galleries, and other cultural sites located in the city. It is also home to several important archaeological sites, such as the ancient city of Arbela and the ruins of the Roman city of Dion.

Irbid is an important city in Jordan with a long and rich history. It has played an important role in the region’s history and continues to be an important economic and cultural center today.