Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
NORTHERN HIGHLIGHTS
Wander the colonnaded streets of
Jerash
(
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)
, a spectacularly well-pre-
served Roman provincial city
Hike along the trails of
Ajloun Forest Reserve
(
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)
in the shade of trees
Visit the fairy-tale castle of
Qala'at ar-Rabad
(
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), one of Jordan's most
impressive Islamic structures
Survey views of three countries from the basalt ruins of
Umm Qais
(
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)
Conjure all eras of Jordanian history at the complex archaeological site of
Pella
(
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)
Peruse the exhibits at the
Museum of Archaeology & Anthropology
(
Click
Travel the subtropical
Jordan Valley
(
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), sampling seasonal fruits
Scoop water from the River Jordan at
Bethany
(
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)
, where Jesus was re-
putedly baptised
Amble by traditional houses in the souq town of
Salt
(
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)
and discover
how the town came by its name
History
When travelling around the far north of Jordan, you may notice the name 'Gilead' crop up
from time to time. This was the region's name in biblical times, defined by the sculpting
waters of the Yarmouk River to the north and the once-mighty River Jordan to the west.
The hills of Gilead have been occupied since antiquity, and were once home to the Roman
Decapolis. Largely established during the Hellenistic period, these 10 city-states flour-
ished along the boundaries of the Greek and Semitic lands. The Romans transformed
these cities into powerful trading centres - the torchbearers of Roman culture at the fur-
thest reaches of the empire.
If you're wondering where these cities are today, chances are you are walking on them!
Northern Jordan is the most densely populated area in the country, and is home to the ma-
jor urban centre of Irbid as well as dozens of small towns and villages which have largely
engulfed many of the ancient sites. With a bit of amateur investigation it's easy to make
out the ancient tells (mounds) and archaeological remains of the Decapolis, scattered
among Gilead's rolling hills. If you haven't the time or inclination for such sleuthing, just
