Umm Qais: An Ancient City with a Rich History and Amazing Things to Do
Umm Qais is an ancient city located in northern Jordan, close to the borders of Israel and Syria. It was once the capital of the Decapolis, a league of ten ancient cities in the Middle East. Umm Qais has a long and fascinating history, and today it is a popular tourist destination due to its impressive ruins and stunning views.
History
Umm Qais has been inhabited since at least the Iron Age, and was known as Gadara in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. The city was part of the Decapolis, a league of ten cities in the Middle East that was established by the Roman Empire. It was an important center of culture and trade, and was renowned for its poets, philosophers, and rhetoricians.
In the 4th century AD, the city was destroyed by an earthquake and was eventually abandoned. It remained uninhabited until the 19th century, when it was rediscovered by European travelers. Umm Qais was then re-inhabited by Bedouin tribes, and it eventually became part of the modern state of Jordan.
Today, Umm Qais is a popular tourist destination due to its impressive ruins and stunning views. It is home to a number of ancient monuments, including the remains of a Roman theater, a Byzantine church, and a Crusader fortress. There are also many other interesting sites to explore, such as the ruins of the Temple of Zeus, the remains of a Roman bathhouse, and the remains of a Byzantine monastery.
Amazing Facts
Umm Qais is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Middle East. The city was once part of the Decapolis, a league of ten ancient cities in the Middle East. The city was also renowned for its poets, philosophers, and rhetoricians. Umm Qais is home to a number of ancient monuments, including the remains of a Roman theater, a Byzantine church, and a Crusader fortress.
Things to Do
Umm Qais is a great destination for visitors looking to explore the region’s ancient history. Here are some of the best things to do in Umm Qais:
Explore the Ruins: Umm Qais is home to some of the best preserved Roman ruins in the Middle East. Visitors can explore the remains of the Temple of Zeus, the remains of a Roman bathhouse, and the remains of a Byzantine monastery.
Visit the Crusader Fortress: Umm Qais is home to a Crusader fortress that was built in the 12th century. Visitors can explore the ruins of the fortress and learn about the history of the Crusades.
Visit the Roman Theater: Umm Qais is home to a well-preserved Roman theater that was built in the 2nd century AD. Visitors can explore the ruins of the theater and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.
Go Hiking: Umm Qais is home to a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can also explore the nearby nature reserves and enjoy the area’s diverse wildlife.
Visit the Local Markets: Umm Qais is home to a number of local markets, where visitors can find a variety of traditional Jordanian crafts and souvenirs.
As you can see, Umm Qais is a great destination for visitors looking to explore the region’s ancient history and enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Whether you’re looking to explore the ruins of the Roman theater, visit the Crusader fortress, or go hiking in the nearby nature reserves, Umm Qais has something for everyone.