Jordan's relics and ruins

This stunning country is overflowing with historical sites to visit

WORDS BY ALEXIS ONG

JERASH AND BEYOND

Best known for its well-preserved Roman city ruins, Jerash is an archaeology buff’s dream. Enter the city through the unfinished, unique majesty of Hadrian’s Arch – built to commemorate the Emperor’s visit in 129 BC – and explore the stunning remains of the Nymphaeum Fountain, Temple of Artemis, and the Jerash Archaeology Museum. If you have a full day to devote to Jerash, take in the surrounding area – a lovely landscape of olive and fig groves, pine forests, and smaller historical structures.

PETRA, THE ROSE CITY

A UNESCO World Heritage Site and iconic part of Jordanian identity, Petra represents the finest remains of the Nabataean Empire, which originated in nomadic tribes associated with both Arabic and Aramaic cultures. Petra’s most iconic feature is the façade of the Al-Khazneh (or The Treasury), made world-famous by Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade – but there is far more to explore, including the Petra Amphitheatre, Qasr-al-Bint Temple, the Street of Facades, the High Place of Sacrifice, the Monastery, and the Royal Tombs.

WADI RUM

Wadi Rum’s incredible desert has played host to some of Hollywood’s biggest movies, including Rogue One, The Martian, Prometheus, Transformers 2, and Lawrence of Arabia. Be prepared to immerse yourself in otherworldly landscapes; the sand is a startling shade of red. Wadi Rum has around 25,000 petroglyphs and inscriptions in several North Arabian languages, making it a critical research site for historians, archaeologists, and linguists. Adrenaline junkies might look into quad biking, skydiving, or hot air ballooning over the desert.

THE DEAD SEA

Arguably one of the most famous natural oddities in the world, the Dead Sea is one of the saltiest lakes in the world, making it possible for visitors to float easily on its surface. New swimmers might be surprised at how oily the water feels – due to its intense salinity – but rest assured, this is called the Dead Sea for a reason, because nothing can live within it. We recommend wearing sandals in the water – the hardened, rocky salt surface is murder on bare feet. Bring bottles of fresh water to wash your hands and face after your dip.

CRUSADER CASTLES

There are six Crusader castles in Jordan, so named for their role in the mediaeval religious wars between old Christendom and the Muslim Saracens. Jordan’s most prominent Crusader castle is Kerak Castle, a 12th-century stronghold that was the site of several sieges by Saladin. Also worth a visit is Shobak Castle, sometimes called Montreal (from its original name, Krak de Montreal) – while not much remains of the original Crusade-era structures, this was also the site of a historical siege by Saladin, and still contains ancient Arabic inscriptions, stone tablets, a reconstructed Mamluk watchtower, and the remains of the Crusader church.