Ancient Gadara
Before the Middle Ages, Umm Qais was known as Gadara. It was probably founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, but reached prominence as a Roman city during the 1st century AD.
King Herod the Great was rewarded control of Gadara by the Romans in return for his efforts to weaken the influence of the Nabateans in the region.
Cultural hub
Gadara was a cultural centre, with several classical scholars living there as well as many affluent and influential Romans, attracted to the city by the nearby thermal springs.
Miracle
Many believe that this is the place mentioned in the Bible where Jesus performed the miracle of casting out the devil from two men, into a herd of pigs that then ran down to the sea of Galilee and drowned.
Umm Qais today
There are remains of a mausoleum and public baths, a colonnaded street and the Basilica of Gadara. Most impressive of all is the imposing and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Built of smooth, black, basalt blocks, its tiers of seating face west and so it is a particularly spectacular place at dusk. Many of the other views are also beautiful, with sweeping panoramas down to Lake Tiberiaus and across to the Golan Heights.
Read more about historical towns and monuments in Jordan
Before the Middle Ages, Umm Qais was known as Gadara. It was probably founded by the Greeks in the 4th century BC, but reached prominence as a Roman city during the 1st century AD.
King Herod the Great was rewarded control of Gadara by the Romans in return for his efforts to weaken the influence of the Nabateans in the region.
Cultural hub
Gadara was a cultural centre, with several classical scholars living there as well as many affluent and influential Romans, attracted to the city by the nearby thermal springs.
MiracleMany believe that this is the place mentioned in the Bible where Jesus performed the miracle of casting out the devil from two men, into a herd of pigs that then ran down to the sea of Galilee and drowned.
Umm Qais today
There are remains of a mausoleum and public baths, a colonnaded street and the Basilica of Gadara. Most impressive of all is the imposing and well-preserved Roman amphitheatre. Built of smooth, black, basalt blocks, its tiers of seating face west and so it is a particularly spectacular place at dusk. Many of the other views are also beautiful, with sweeping panoramas down to Lake Tiberiaus and across to the Golan Heights.
Read more about historical towns and monuments in Jordan
