Sitting on a small plateau above the Jordan Valley, the small rural village of Pella seems like a sleepy backwater, yet this area has marked the march of civilisations. Pella has been a home to human communities dating back to the Stone Age, 10,000 years ago. There is even evidence of human activity in the as far back as Palaeolithic times, 100,000 years ago.
"Whatever you think about history you can see it in Pella"
Deeb Hussien
Digs
Archaeologists have discovered Neolithic houses built around 6000 BC, the remains of massive city walls from 3200 BC, clay tablets from 1350 BC Stone Age tools and Umayyad pottery
Greeks and Romans
There was a large Greek city here, but that was destroyed by war around 83 BC. Then the Romans left their mark; another city, this time with a theatre, fountain-house and baths, all of which have been excavated by archaeologists.
Christians and Muslims
Later, during the Byzantine period, three churches were built, all around 550 AD. As well as a Christian site, Pella also had an early Islamic city, but this was destroyed in an earthquake about 750 AD.
The site todayDispite its distinguished history, Pella is often in the shadow of the more famous antiquities in northern Jordan, Umm Qais and Jarash. It is a magnet for archaeologists but rarely pulls many tourists.
The remains of the Greco-Roman sites, Byzantine churches, a Canaanite temple and early Islamic houses are all within a small area. However, there is virtually no information telling visitors what they are seeing or its great significance.
That said it is an enchanting spot, made all the more fascinating for its sleepiness after so many years as a hub of humanity.
| Small hotel owner Deeb Hussien shares a wealth of information about the historical importance of Pella... "People have been living in Pella since 'The Dawn', without any interruption" [0:50] |
Read more about historical towns and monuments in Jordan 
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