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| Umm Qais | ||
| Governorate | Irbid | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | unknown | |
no value for residents on Wikidata:  | ||
| height | 378 m | |
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Umm Qais is a city with the archaeological site of the ancient Gadara North of Jordan.
background
Umm Qais is located in the north of Jordan above the river Yarmukwho is here Jordan from Israel separates and a little further east forms the border between Jordan and Syria. In ancient times, the city had the name Gadara and belonged to the league of cities Decapolis.
According to tradition, Umm Quais resp. the ancient Gadara one of the places where the biblical Land of the Gadarenes (Matth 8,28-34 ) could be localized, where the demons driven out by a possessed man drove into a herd of pigs, which then throw themselves into the Sea of Galilee.
history
Gadara (Greek Γάδαρα) was one of the Greek foundations as part of the campaign of Alexander the Great and developed in the following years into a center of Hellenistic culture in the Levant. In 218 BC. it was made by the Seleucid king Antiochus III. who had started a campaign of conquest from Syria and also Pella had taken. The city now received the name Antioch Semiramis.
Later the Ptolemies contested the region with the Seleucids, and the city was captured under the Jewish Hasmonean king Alexander Jannaeus. When the Romans conquered the Hasmonean Empire, Gadara was also taken by Pompey's troops. After the reconstruction, the city had an important position in the association of cities Decapolis inside. In Roman times it was supplied with spring water through an aqueduct with a 94 km long tunnel.
In Byzantine times, the city was an important bishopric. With the spread of Islam and the advance of Muslim troops under the Rashidum caliphs, the nearby Jarmuktal became the scene of the decisive battle between the Byzantines and the Muslim troops. After the end of Byzantine rule in the Levant was sealed here, the city came under Muslim rule. After severe damage from an earthquake in 749 AD. the city was abandoned and only in the 19th century. recognized in their meaning.
getting there
By plane
The nearest international airport is the 1 Queen Alia International Airport of Amman.
By train / bus
The town is not connected to the railway network, according to Irbid there are bus connections.
In the street
The place is through side streets North Shuna in the Jordan Valley (on the extension of the Jordan Valley Highway 65) and that of Irbid road leading north 35 connected. From Umm Qais lies Irbid approx. 20 km away, after Amman it is about 120 km on the old one King's Highway.
mobility
Locally one moves on foot.
Tourist Attractions
From the place there is an excellent view of the Jordan Valley, Mount Tabor in the west, to the Lake genezareth (Lake Kinneret), into the Jarmuktal and the southern Golan Heights. Some ruins that are up to 2000 years old still exist in the village.
- : The ruins of the ancient Gadara from Roman and Byzantine times are built from the black basalt stone typical of the region.
- The Main road (Decumanus maximus) with tombs, lined with black basalt columns
- The 2 West theater made of black basalt. The presence of backrests on some rows of seats is unusual.
- Church terrace with the remains of a five-aisled basilica and an octagonal chapel.
- Above the church terrace a street with the ruins of houses from the Ottoman period. These were built from limestone and basalt stones from the ancient city and show a characteristic black and white image. There is also a good restaurant (Rest House) here.
- A colonnade to the rest of an old gate system
- The ruins of the 3 North Theater.
- in the Beit Rousan, the restored residence of the Ottoman governor, that is 4 Archaeological Museum housed.
activities
- Visit to the archaeological site
- In 1 Al Himmah you can visit the hot sulfur springs, which were already an attraction for visitors to the thermal baths in Roman times.
shop
At the Rest house There is a small souvenir shop within the Archaeological Park. Souvenirs and snacks are also offered in the parking lot in front of the site during the day.
kitchen
In the Rest House within the Archaeological Park you can eat well and enjoy the magnificent view of the Sea of Galilee. It is particularly recommended as a refreshing drink Lemonade with Nana (fresh lemonade with mint). You can eat easily and very cheaply at several snacks along the main street of Umm Qais.
nightlife
No tourist offers
accommodation
The Hotel Umm Qais on the main road does not offer the comfort expected by tourists. If you want to be content with very simple, cheap accommodation, you should bring your own towels and, if necessary, a (linen) sleeping bag.
