From Nabataeans to Byzantines: The Legacy of Umm Al Jimal
Jordan has long been a steward of historical and religious heritage, as seen in its 1981 nomination of East Jerusalem as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over the years, several of its iconic sites, including Petra (1985), Qasr Amra (1985), Umm ar-Rasas (2004), Wadi Rum (2011), the Baptism Site (2015), and Salt (2021), have earned UNESCO recognition. In 2024, Umm Al Jimal, a unique archaeological site in northeastern Jordan, joined this prestigious list.
Umm Al Jimal was part of the Limes Arabicus, the Roman frontier that protected against Persian and nomadic incursions. Unlike many ancient ruins that consist of mere foundations, Umm Al Jimal retains around 170 buildings, many rising to the second or third floor. "The site’s visual evidence allows visitors to imagine its grandeur during the Roman-Byzantine era," noted Darrell Rohl, co-director of the Umm Al Jimal Archaeological Project.
Situated on the basaltic plains of the Houran region, the site has been continuously inhabited for 2,000 years, from the Nabataeans to modern times. During the Roman annexation of the Nabataean Kingdom in 106 AD, Umm Al Jimal developed as a strategic settlement linked to Bosra, the Nabataeans’ secondary capital. The Commodus Gate, a notable Roman monument from the 2nd century AD, bears evidence of political erasure after Emperor Commodus' assassination in 192 AD.
The town played a key role in the Roman administrative system, contributing seven council members to Bosra. By the 4th century AD, a military castellum housed garrisons, reinforced by the Ninth Dalmatian Cavalry between 367 and 373 AD. Later, during the 3rd-century crisis, Queen Zenobia of Palmyra launched an attack on the settlement, marking a turbulent period in its history. Today, Umm Al Jimal stands as a testament to Jordan’s layered past, offering a rare glimpse into Roman, Nabataean, and Byzantine influences.
Umm Qais: A Gem of Jordanian Heritage
Perched atop a hill in northern Jordan, Umm Qais offers breathtaking views of the Jordan Valley, the Golan Heights, and the Sea of Galilee. Recognized as one of the world’s best tourism villages, this ancient city—formerly known as Gadara—was a cultural hub of the Roman Decapolis, home to philosophers and poets.
Visitors can wander through remarkably preserved ruins, including a grand amphitheater, colonnaded streets, and an ancient basilica. The town’s charm extends beyond its history, with a vibrant local community offering authentic Jordanian hospitality, farm-to-table cuisine, and artisan crafts. Just an hour’s drive from Umm Al Jimal, Umm Qais is an unmissable stop for those seeking a blend of history, nature, and culture.
Read more: Umm Qais: A Window to Jordan's Rich History