Beidha

Coordinates and Location:
Kerak / UTM Zone 36
E 7346, N 335769

Date/ Period:
Neolithic

Physical Description of Site:
Beidha is located in central Petra near the Siq el-Bared and adjacent to an active wadi.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Neolithic Village Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
Beidha is one of the most important sites in the region from the Neolithic Period, specifically the Late Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (LPPNB) period. The site is small and in need of restoration.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Byrd, B.F., Beidha P.p. 291-292 in E.M. Meyers Oxfords Encyclopedia of Archeology in the Near East. Vol. 1. New York & Oxford 1997.

Feinan

Coordinates and Location:
Aqaba / UTM Zone36
E 7275, N 33911

Date/ Period:
Bronze Age

Physical Description of Site:
There are a series of major metallurgical sites located in numerous hillsides and mounds, in close proximity to several major wadies, including Wadi Khaled and Wadi Ratye in the Wadi Araba area.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Industrial Bronze Age Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
Feinan, referred to in the Bible as Punon, dates back to the Chalcolithic period. The area reached its peak during the Bronze Age.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Lot’s Cave

Coordinates and Location:
Kerak / UTM Zone36
E 7365, N 34344

Date/ Period:
Bronze Age and Byzantine period

Physical Description of Site:
Located in southern Ghor on the slopes of a high mountain, Lot's Cave contains the remains of a natural cave and a Byzantine church. The cave overlooks the nearby Wadi (Zarad) al Hasa.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Religious Cave.

Historical Data/ Description:
In addition to the Byzantine churches, Bronze Age burial chambers were discovered at the site.

Bibliographical References:
Politis, C., Excavation at Deir Ain- Abata, ADAJ, 40,320-325. 1997.

Jawa

Coordinates and Location:
Mafraq / UTM Zone36
E 7782, N 35280

Date/ Period:
Bronze Age

Physical Description of Site:
Jawa is located on a raised hill in the desert with deep wadies surrounding the site on all sides.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Bronze Age Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
A large city built of basalt stones featuring a sophisticated water system.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Parker, T.S., Typology of Roman and Byzantine Fort and Fortress in Jordan P.p. 251-260 in K. ‘Amr et al. (eds.), Studies in the History and Archeology of Jordan. Volume V. Amman.

Tell Deir Alla

Coordinates and Location:
Balqa / UTM Zone 36
E 74713, N 356542

Date/ Period:
Iron Age II

Physical Description of Site:
Tell Deir Alla is located in a flat desert. The high archeological Tell illustrates the area's historical and cultural layers.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Archeological Town.

Historical Data/ Description:
A mud brick structure features the famous inscribed tablet.

Bibliographical References:
Ibrahim, M., Sauer, J and Yasine. K. The East of Jordan Valley Survey, BASOR, P.p. 222, 41-66. year 1996.

Tell Hisban

Coordinates and Location:
Madaba / UTM Zone 36
E 7660, N 35219

Date/ Period:
Iron Age, Byzantine, Islamic.

Physical Description of Site:
Tell Hisban is located on a rocky mountain overlooking the surrounding valleys, including the famous biblical Wadi Hisban.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Archeological Byzantine and Islamic Village.

Historical Data/ Description:
Tell Hisban is an Iron Age, Byzantine and Islamic (Ayubbi/Mamlouk) site.

Bibliographical References:
Herr, L. G. and Najjar, M., The Iron Age, P.p.323-345 in B. MacDoland, R. Adams and Bienkowski (eds.), The Archeology of Jordan, Sheffieled 2001.
Parg, K., A Walk in the Wadi Hesban. Palestine Exploration Quarterly 123: 48-61. 1998.

Iraq Al Amir

Coordinates and Location:
Amman / UTM Zone 36
E 76022, N 353426

Date/ Period:
Hellenistic

Physical Description of Site:
Iraq Al Amir is located in a flat plain surrounded by high earthen mounds to the west. The site is situated near the western edge of the Iraq Al Amir Wadi.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Hellenistic Palace.

Historical Data/ Description:
Iraq Al Amir is the sole example of a Hellenistic Palace found in the Near East.

Bibliographical References:
Philip, G., Early Bronze I-III Ages. P.p. 163-232 in B. MacDonald, R. Adams and P. Bienkowski (eds.), The Archeology of Jordan. Sheffield. 2001.
Schmid, S.G. The Nabatean Travellers Between Lifestyles, in B. Macdonald, R, Adams and P. Bienkowski (eds.), The Archeology of Jordan. Sheffield. 2001.
Brunnow, R and Von Domaszewksi, A., Die Provincia Arabia, Sttasburg. 1904.
Bulter, H. C., Ancient Architecture in Syria. Publications of Princeton University Archeological Expedition to

Mukawir

Coordinates and Location:
Madaba / UTM Zone 36
E 7490, N 34956

Date/ Period:
Roman

Physical Description of Site:
The archeological remains of Mukawir are located on a high mountain surrounded by deep valleys on three sides. The fourth, eastern side, was used to access the site due to its more gradual grade. Several caves are dug into the slopes of the mountain.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Roman Religious Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
The site is very important to several historical periods including the Nabatean, Roman and Byzantine periods.

Bibliographical References:
Clermont-Ganneau, C., The Madaba Mosaic. Palestine Exploration Fund Quarterly Statement (1897)
Piccirillo, M. and Allitata, E. The Madaba

Jerash/Gerasa

Coordinates and Location:
Jerash / UTM Zone36
E 7723, N 35753

Date/ Period:
Roman and Byzantine

Physical Description of Site:
Located 48 km north of Amman in a quiet valley in the Gilead Mountains, Jerash illustrates the grandeur of Imperial Rome, as one of the largest and most well preserved Roman cities outside of Italy.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Roman Decapolis City.

Historical Data/ Description:
Jerash beautifully blends the Greco-Roman world of the Mediterranean basin and the ancient traditions of the Arab Orient. Indeed, the name of the city itself reflects this interaction. The earliest Arabic/Semitic inhabitants of the area named their village Garshu. The Romans later Hellenized the name into Gerasa and at the end of the 19th century; the Arab and Circassian inhabitants of the small rural settlement transformed the Roman Gerasa into the Arabic Jerash.

Bibliographical References:
Browning, I., Jerash and the Decapolis. London 1982.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Gadara

Coordinates and Location:
Irbid / UTM Zone 36
E7572, N 36165

Date/ Period:
Roman, Byzantine.

Physical Description of Site:
Gadara is located 110 km north of Amman on a broad promontory 378 meters above sea level with a magnificent view overlooking the Yarmouk River, the Golan Heights, and Lake Tiberias. Gadara was formerly one of the most brilliant Greco-Roman cities of the Decapolis. Biblical tradition holds Gadara to be the location where Jesus cast out the Devil from two demoniacs (mad men) into a herd of pigs.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Roman Decapolis City.

Historical Data/ Description:
Gadara was inhabited as early as the 7th century B.C. The Greek historian, Polybius, described the region as under Ptolemaic control at the time. The Seleucid ruler Antiochus III conquered it in 218 B.C., naming the city Antiochia and Seleucia. In 63 B.C., Pompey liberated Gadara and included it in the Roman Decapolis, a league of ten cities.

Bibliographical References:
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992
Schumahcer, G., Abila, Pella and Northern Ajlun “Within the Decapolis” London 1889.

Pella

Coordinates and Location:
Irbid / UTM Zone 36
E 7459,N 35945

Date/ Period:
Bronze Age, Roman and Byzantine.

Physical Description of Site:
Set in the hills overlooking the Jordan River Valley, 78 km north of Amman, Pella, known in Arabic as Tabaqat Fahil, is one of the most ancient archeological sites in Jordan and a favorite of archaeologists as it is exceptionally rich in antiquities. Pella is located in close proximity to springs that run year round.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Roman Decapolis City.

Historical Data/ Description:
Archeological evidence suggests that the Tell itself has been continuously inhabited since Neolithic times. Moreover, additional evidence has been found 2 km north of the Tell dating to Paleolithic periods, approximately 100,000 years ago. In addition to the exquisite ruins from the Greco-Roman period, including an Odeon (theater) built into the hillside, Pella offers visitors the opportunity to see several artifacts from a Chalcolithic settlement from the 4th century B.C., the remains of Bronze and Iron Age walled cities, Byzantine churches and houses, an Early Islamic Period residential quarter, and a small medieval mosque.

Bibliographical References:
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.
Schumahcer, G., Abila, Pella and Northern Ajlun “Within the Decapolis” London 1889.

Deir Al Kahf

Coordinates and Location:
Mafraq / UTM Zone
37 E 2965, N 35739

Date/ Period:
Byzantine

Physical Description of Site:
Deir Al Kahf is located in a flat area distinguished by the native basalt stones and a nearby wadi.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Byzantine Village Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
This is a major Byzantine site with partially destroyed architectural remains. Evidence of a water system was found at the site.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Parker, T.S., Typology of Roman and Byzantine Fort and Fortress in Jordan P.p. 251-260 in K. ‘Amr et al. (eds.), Studies in the History and Archeology of Jordan. Volume V. Amman.

Cave of Sleepers

Coordinates and Location:
Amman / UTM Zone 36
E 7816, N 35333

Date/ Period:
Roman/ Byzantine and Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
The Cave of Sleepers is built into a limestone mountain scattered with tamarisks and other natural flora. A major wadi runs north east of the site.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Byzantine Cave.

Historical Data/ Description:
The site dates back to the Roman Period. The primary period of inhabitation was the Byzantine Period. The Cave of Sleepers, considered sacred to both Christians and Muslims, consists of a cave with six burial chambers inside, and a chapel (now demolished) and two mosques built outside the cave. The two mosques were added during Islamic periods.

Bibliographical References:
Almargo, A., the Survey of Roman Monuments of Amman. ADAJ. Vol.27,

Baptism Site

Coordinates and Location:
Balqa / UTM Zone 36
E 74296, N 352558

Date/ Period:
Byzantine

Physical Description of Site:
The Baptism Site’s archeological remains are located along the southern edge of Wadi el-Kharrar, which leads down to the Jordan River. The numerous archeological sites are scattered over small hills and barren terraces of lissan marl formation, the elevation ranges from 340 to 380 meters below sea level.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Byzantine Religious Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
The combined Roman and Byzantine periods are represented at the sites. The periods between the first century B.C. and the seventh century A.D. mark the period of human inhabitation.

Bibliographical References:
Nabulsi, A Tell al Kharrar–Area A Church- Square C2 Burials, Excavation and Human Osteological Report, unpublished report.
Mohammad Waheeb. 2003: The Discovery of Bethany Beyond the Jordan “Site of Jesus’ Baptism.”

Mount Nebo

Coordinates and Location:
Madaba / UTM Zone 36
E 7581, N 35180

Date/ Period:
Byzantine

Physical Description of Site:
Mount Nebo is located at the peak of a high mountain overlooking the Jordan River Valley and the surrounding areas. The famous Ayyun Mosa (Moses Spring) runs in the valley northeast of the site.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Byzantine Religious Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
Located approximately 10 km northwest of Madaba, Mount Nebo is believed to be one of the possible sites of the tomb of Moses. A building was recently constructed on the summit to protect the stunning and well-preserved mosaic floors, remains of a 4th century church. From Mt. Nebo one has a panoramic view across the Jordan River Valley and Dead Sea. On a clear day it is possible to see the towers on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. The 6th century church of Al Makhayyat featuring beautiful and well preserved mosaics is also located in the area.

Bibliographical References:
Robinson, E., Biblical Researches in Palestine and in Adjacent Regions. A Journal of Travels in the Year 1838. Volume I. Second Edition. Boston. 1860a.
Robinson, E., Biblical Researches in Palestine and in Adjacent Regions. A Journal of Travels in the Year 1838. Volume I. Second Edition. Boston. 1860b.

Umm Jimal

Coordinates and Location:
Mafraq / UTM Zone37
E 2523, N 35800

Date/ Period:
Nabatean, Byzantine.

Physical Description of Site:
Located 80 km northeast of Amman and 12 km east of Mafraq on the Baghdad Highway, are the archeological remains of the Roman-Byzantine (and possible earlier Nabateans) city of Umm Jimal. The numerous buildings that make up the fortress, the oldest of which is a Christian church, are made from the native black basalt which gives the city a forbidding appearance. The ruins of this unique site cover over 1000 dunums.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Byzantine Village.

Historical Data/ Description:
A medium sized walled city, built of black basalt stone, with several churches from the Byzantine Period.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.
De Vries, B., Umm el- Jimal: A Tour Guide. Amman 1982.

Hayyan

Coordinates and Location:
Mafraq / UTM Zone 37
E 2335, N 35739

Date/ Period:
Byzantine

Physical Description of Site:
Hayyan is located in an area rich in limestone.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Religious Byzantine Village Site

Historical Data/ Description:
A significant Byzantine site featuring several recently excavated churches found to be among of the earliest known examples of Byzantine churches in the Middle East.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Parker, T.S., Typology of Roman and Byzantine Fort and Fortress in Jordan P.p. 251-260 in K. ‘Amr et al. (eds.), Studies in the History and Archeology of Jordan. Volume V. Amman.

Azraq Castle

Coordinates and Location:
Zarqa / UTM Zone37
E 2925, N 35259

Date/ Period:
Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
Azraq Castel is located in the Hara Desert, an area characterized by black basalt stone located 55 km northeast of Amman and 50 km northwest of Azraq. At the time of its inhabitancy the Castle was surrounded by lakes.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Islamic Castle.

Historical Data/ Description:
Azraq Castle is an expansive fort currently in need of restoration. Formerly thought to be from the Roman period, recent excavations have shown that it was constructed in the 12th century A.D. during the Ayubbi-Mamluk period. Many of the stones used in the construction of the fort bear Nabatean, Greek and Latin inscriptions indicating that they were brought from nearby sites occupied in the Byzantine period.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Qaser Al Mushatta

Coordinates and Location:
Amman / UTM Zone 37
E 2167, N 735155

Date/ Period:
Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
Qaser Al Mushatta is located in a flat semi-desert characterized by small valleys and tributaries.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Islamic Palace from the Umayyad period.

Historical Data/ Description:
Qaser Al Mushatta is the closest castle to Amman. It is an enormous, unfinished structure with three vaulted brick halls featuring elaborate columns, carvings and ornate decorations.

Bibliographical References:
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman, 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph

Qttraneh

Coordinates and Location:
Kerak / UTM Zone 37
E 2181, N 34604

Date/ Period:
Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
The Qttraneh Fort is located in a flat semi-desert area. The site includes an Ottoman Fort built on the Haj route, with a large pool nearby. The site was restored by the Department of Antiquities.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Islamic Fortress.
istorical Dataa/ Description: A Haj fort was built near the old pilgrims’ road with several water installations.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Parker, T.S., Typology of Roman and Byzantine Fort and Fortress in Jordan P.p. 251-260 in K. ‘Amr et al. (eds.), Studies in the History and Archeology of Jordan. Volume V. Amman.

Mu’ta Shrines

Coordinates and Location:
Kerak / UTM Zone 36
E 7571, N 34571

Date/ Period:
Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
The Mu'ta Shrines are located in the fertile plains adjacent to a modern village.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Religious Shrine.

Historical Data/ Description:
The Mu'ta Shrines honor the Holy Companions of the Prophet Mohammad. The site consists of several tombs with a recently constructed mosque nearby.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992

Ayla

Coordinates and Location:
Aqaba / UTM Zone 36
E 6939, N 32684

Date/ Period:
Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
Ayla is a major archeological site located on the Red Sea coast composed of the remains of a Fatimide Period city in need of additional restoration and development.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Islamic City.

Historical Data/ Description:
Architectural remains of a Fatimide Period city.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Humaymah

Coordinates and Location:
Aqaba / UTM Zone 36
E 7246, N 33159

Date/ Period:
Nabatean, Byzantine, and Islamic.

Physical Description of Site:
Humaymah is one of the most significant sites located between southern Ma’an and Northern Aqaba. The site has archeological evidence from the Roman, Nabatean, and Islamic periods including structures and a water system.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Byzantine and Islamic Archeological Site.

Historical Data/ Description:
There is a large settlement area consisting of several buildings and a water system.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan. London, 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman, 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Qaser Al Hallabat

Coordinates and Location:
Zarqa / UTM Zone37
E 2479, N 35540

Date/ Period:
Roman and Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
Qaser Al Hallabat is located on a high mountain surrounded by semi desert plains in the area of Wadi Dhuliel.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Islamic Palace.

Historical Data/ Description:
Qaser Al Hallabat, originally constructed as a watchtower, was later transformed into a castellum and subsequently a palace.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Kerak Castle

Coordinates and Location:
Kerak / UTM Zone 36
E7575, N 34529

Date/ Period:
Crusader and Islamic

Physical Description of Site:
Kerak Castle is located on a rocky hill overlooking the nearby wadies, 124 km south of Amman. The Crusaders made Kerak (biblical Charach Mouba) famous with the construction of the fortress.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Crusader and Islamic Castle.

Historical Data/ Description:
The Kerak Castle was built in 1142 by Payen le Bouteiller, Lord of Montreal and the Province of Oultre Jourdain. The Castle was constructed on the remains of earlier citadels, which date back to Nabatean times. Due to Kerak's strategic location on the King's Highway, Payen le Bouteiller made Kerak the new capital of the province, controlling all north-south traffic in the area and profiting on the trade by imposing tolls.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Parker, T.S., Typology of Roman and Byzantine Fort and Fortress in Jordan P.p. 251-260 in K. ‘Amr et al. (eds.), Studies in the History and Archeology of Jordan. Volume V. Amman.

Shobak

Coordinates and Location:
Kerak / UTM Zone36
E 7615, N 35337

Date/ Period:
Crusaders

Physical Description of Site:
Located 190 km south of Amman and less than an hour north of Petra, the impressive castle of Shobak stands as a lonely reminder of the area's former Crusader grandeur. Shobak is located atop a mountain which rises above a rugged landscape dotted with native fruit trees.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
ICOMOS, Crusader Fortress.

Historical Data/ Description:
Shobak was built in 1115 by Jerusalem's King Baldwin I to guard the road from Damascus to Egypt. Shobak was the first in a series of similar strongholds in the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Salahuddin Al-Ayyoubi (Saladin) attacked Shobak on several occasions, finally capturing it in 1189, as the Crusaders were beginning to lose their foothold in the Holy Land. Inscriptions by Saladin's proud successors appear on the castle walls. In 1260, Shobak passed to the Mamluks who restored the castle, adorning its walls and towers with Arabic inscriptions.

Bibliographical References:
Harding, G. L., The Antiquities of Jordan, London 1959.
Al- Abidi; M., Islamic Sites in Palestine and Jordan. Amman 1973.
Northedge, A., Studies on Roman and Islamic Amman. Vol.1 History, Site & Architecture. British Academy Monograph in Archeology Vol.3. Oxford 1992.

Yarmouk Valley

Coordinates and Location
Traverses the north of Jordan

Physical Description of Site
The Yarmouk Valley is characterized by fertile soils, steep limestone cliffs and deep sloping terrain. The Valley contains numerous tributaries with dense vegetation and perennial water systems. Higher sections of the hills are covered with deciduous oak forests.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
IUCN. The Yarmouk Valley is an integral section of one of the most significant routes for global bird migration on this side of the globe. Nationally and regionally endangered bird species can be found in the Yarmouk Valley.

Historical Data/ Description
Several important heritage sites are located in or near the Yarmouk Valley including the upper sections of Jadara (Um Qais) from the Roman and Byzantine Periods.

Bibliographical References:
Vegetation of Jordan. UNESCO, 1996.

Dead Sea

Coordinates and Location
From north to south as follows:
E 35 25' 11.916 – N 31 18' 9.596
E35 33' 28.665 – N 31 45' 16.482

Physical Description of Site
The Dead Sea is the saltiest large water body in the world. Its spectacular landscape is characterized by high mountain cliffs, deep canyons and green oases, which stand in stark contrast to its desert surroundings. The Dead Sea basin is home to indigenous fauna such as leopards, ibex and hundreds of bird species, including the globally threatened Lesser Kestrel and Griffin Vulture. Thirteen endemic plant species are found in the tropical elements of the basin. Ion is ten times higher than that found in the Mediterranean.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
IUCN, Earth's History, Endemic Flora and Fauna Species and Sub-Species.

Historical Data/ Description
The Dead Sea is truly a cradle of human heritage with sites of great importance to Islam, Christianity and Judaism found throughout the area including Mount Nebo, the Qumran caves, the Baptism Site of Jesus and the Islamic fortress of Karak.

Bibliographical References:
Unrevealed Beauty, 2006.
Vegetation of Jordan. UNESCO, 1996.

Jordan River Valley

Physical Description of Site
The Jordan River Valley's geomorphic development from its headwaters in the Syrian-African rift to its outlet in the Dead Sea is uniquely typified by its status as the lowest river in the world. The river flows through the Great Rift Valley, eroding its way through the valley, forming a secondary trough some 60 meters deep, which has distinct upper, lower and middle zones. The topography of the Valley spans from 914 meters above sea level at Mt. Hermon to the Dead Sea at 396 meters below sea level. With an average width of 30 meters, the Jordan River twists and curves for 220 km, more than twice its straight-line distance.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories:
IUCN, Lowest Fresh Water System on Earth, Endemic Flora Species, Regionally Endangered Flora and Fauna.

Historical Data/ Description
From pre-historic times through the Bronze, Iron, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic ages the Jordan River Valley has been home to numerous sites of significant regional cultural heritage including villages, unique habitats, agriculture, military and religious sites.

Bibliographical References:
A River Meandering Through the Crossroads of Civilization. Friends of the Earth Middle East Report, 2004.
Jordan Country Study on Biological Diversity. The General Corporation for the Environment Protection. 1998.
Friends of the Earth Report. A river meandering through the crossroads of civilization. 2004
Al-Eisawi D., Vegetation of Jordan. Jordan 1996
Disi A. etl., Jordan Country Study on Biological Diversity 2002.
Birdlife & RSCN, Important Birds Areas of Jordan 2000

Wadi Araba

Coordinates and Location
East of Jordan

Physical Description of Site
Wadi Araba extends from the south end of the Dead Sea to the Gulf of Aqaba on the Red Sea. The elevation of the Wadi ranges between 300 meters below sea level to 200 meters above sea level extending a length of approximately 190 km. Wadi Araba is mainly composed of stony and gravelly outwash plains and mobile sand dune deserts, with sabkhah (saline mudflats). The natural vegetation of the valley plain and lower slopes has been greatly modified by cultivation and grazing. In the stonier sections of Wadi Araba natural vegetation is considerably more intact; a tropical Sudanian species of tree, dwarf-shrub, Acacia, Balanites, Tamarix, Calotropis, Maerua, Salvadora, Ochradenus and Panicum are all prominent. The Wadi is characterized by intermixing land types including sand dunes, salt marsh, granite and stony alluvial fans that flow from the eastern mountains.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories
IUCN, Major Fly Way for Global Bird Migration, filter of Endangered Species belonging to different bio-geographic regions, Unique Landscapes Mosaic.

Historical Data/ Description
The archeological excavations conducted in the area have revealed the presence of pre-historic cities from the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, in addition to ruins from the Bronze, Roman and Islamic periods.

Bibliographical References:
Jordan Country Study on Biological Diversity. The General Corporation for the Environment Protection, 1998.
Vegetation of Jordan. UNESCO, 1996.
Al-Eisawi D. Vegetation of Jordan. Jordan, 1996
Disi A. etl., Jordan Country Study on Biological Diversity 2002.
Andrews I., The Birds of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan 1995
Birdlife & RSCN, Important Birds Areas of Jordan 2000

Barqosh Forest

Coordinates and Location
UTM Zone: 36, E 7566, N 35926

Physical Description of Site
Dense oak forest located on the western slopes of the Yarmouk and Jordan river valleys. The dominant trees in the forest are evergreen quercus, and pestachia. The forest is characterized by fertile soil (Terra Rosa) and limestone cliffs

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories
IUCN, Regionally Endangered Species, southern limit for the Sciurus anomalus syriacus in the Northern Hemisphere.

Historical Data/ Description
The area was inhabited during the Classical Periods. Several olive presses were discovered in the area.

Bibliographical References:
Jordan Antiquities Database and Information System. The Department of Antiquities of Jordan and the American Center of Oriental Research, 1994.
Vegetation of Jordan. UNESCO, 1996.

Mudawarra Desert

Coordinates and Location
UTM Zone: 36, E 77980 , N 354367

Date/ Period
Ottoman

Physical Description of Site:
The Mudawarra Desert is characterized by a desert plain with mixed Hamada vegetation and sand dune vegetation penetrated by shallow wadi systems. This desert is dominated by calcareous soil covered with flint in some areas. The presence of mudflats indicates shallow water aquifers in the area.

ICOMOS/IUCN Categories
IUCN, Intact Desert Ecosystem in the Region, History of Human Inhabitation with Sustainable Practices, and Endangered Birds and Mammal Species.

Historical Data/ Description:
The Haj Fort in the area dates back to the Ottoman period.

Bibliographical References:
Jordan Antiquities Database and Information System. The Department of Antiquities of Jordan and the American Center of Oriental Research. 1994.