Abila Travel Guide

Abila (also known as Raphana today Quwailibeh) was an ancient city in present-day Jordan. It is 13.55 kilometers north of Irbid. Over an area of 1.5 kilometers x 0.5 kilometers covered by the ruins of the city on two hills. The northern hill is the Tall Abila, the more southerly Khirbat Umm al-'Amad. The place was since the beginning 3 Millennium BC to the Iron Age throughout populated. In the Seleucid period, the place is newly created, hence the name Seleucia Abila. According to Polybius Abila was in 218 BC Antiochus III. conquered. At this time the image was taken in the Decapolis. From Roman roads, aqueducts and a theater (on the northern slope of Khirbat Umm al-'Amad) are preserved. Furthermore, there are extensive, ranging as an underground chamber tombs necropolis. They were equipped with different quality (frescoes), which permits inferences on the social strata in late antiquity and Byzantine times. The period of intense colonization as evidenced in early Byzantine period (5. to 7th century). From that time, account for three basilicas. In Islamic times were in the vicinity of the theater, the many buildings built from spoils. Many vestiges are still in their original condition at the surface surrounded by olive groves and wheat fields. The town was site of the Roman legions, Legio III Gallica Legio XII and Fulminata. (...) more....

travel guide last edited by google-translate edit this text

Latest Reviews for Abila

Have you been here? Write a quick review:

 You are currently not logged in. Login or register to write a review.