states: [jordan]
category: cultural
year: 2024
region: Arab States
latitude/longitude: 32.3269444444, 36.3700000000
Umm Al-Jimāl, a UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Jordan inscribed in July 2024, is an ancient rural settlement dating back to the 1st century CE, evolving from Nabataean and Roman roots into a thriving Byzantine and Early Islamic community until the 8th century. Located near the Syrian border, this "black oasis" features well-preserved basalt structures, including houses, churches, and a sophisticated water system that supported agriculture and herding in the arid Hauran region. Its rich epigraphic record in Greek, Nabataean, Latin, and Arabic highlights cultural shifts across centuries, offering a unique glimpse into Jordan’s historical resilience and diversity.
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