JORDAN: Virtual Tour

Those interested in history and archaeology will be delighted by a visit to Jordan. Over the centuries this region has seen the rise and fall of many world powers.

Many of the ruins of these past civilizations are still visible today at sites throughout the country. One of the best-preserved sites is that of the ancient Roman city of Gerasa, located in modern day Jerash.

A walk down the colonnade is like taking a walk back in time. Paved with huge stone slabs and lined with amazing pillars, the street would present an amazing architectural and engineering challenge, even to today's builders.

Stepping through the main entrance brings you directly in to the impressive Oval Precinct, often referred to as the "Forum". Centuries ago this was a place of market, meeting and celebration.

Scattered throughout the old city are the remains of buildings that were used for churches temples, administration and entertainment. The South Theater seats about three thousand people and is still used for drama and musical concerts to this day. The acoustics are wonderful.

Another must see in the land of Jordan is in the desert region known as Wadi Rum. Hire a guide and camel for an experience that you will never forget! The lack of vegetation is more then made up for by the beauty of the rock formations and the wonderful changing hues as the day passes.

The forces of erosion have left many intriguing features to inspect. Behind each colorful rock face is another desert expanse to explore! There are land bridges to walk over and canyons to scramble through. Light and shadows paint across a quickly changing canvas.

But perhaps the best way to experience Wadi Rum is to spend a whole night sleeping under a blanket of brilliant stars. The spectacular sunrise may inspire you to stay for another whole day!

A visit to Jordan would not be complete without a trip to Petra. These beautiful sandstone formations were once occupied by the Edomites. City forts, built on high mountain strongholds eventually gave way to the kingdom of the Nabateans around 300 BC.

One of the reasons why Petra was such an attractive site for the Nabateans was because it was virtually hidden away behind a narrow and easily defensible canyon known as the Siq. As you come to the end of this beautiful ravine, a very narrow opening offers a peephole to one of the most spectacular sites in Jordan - the treasury.

Carved out of the side of the sandstone mountain face probably in the first century BC, scholars debate as to its actual function. Whatever it's purpose, it would seem that the Nabateans wanted to make a good first impression to the visitors of their city.

Not a lot is known about the ancient culture of the Nabateans, except that they were excellent engineers. With amazing skill and craft they built water conservation and irrigation systems and carved their homes, temples and tombs right out of the rock.

Unfortunately, the region suffered several severe earthquakes and the Nabateans eventually abandoned the site. The local Bedouin merchants who attend the souvenir shops may be the descendants of the few who remained.

Speaking of the people of Jordan, they come from a rich blend of nomadic tribes that have occupied this region for millennia. The Edomites, Moabites and Ammonites, mentioned in the Bible all lived in the land now known as Jordan.

Because of its strategic geographical location the region has seen the occupation of many foreign armies through the centuries. Through the rise and fall of many world powers, the local people have managed to survive through flexibility, ingenuity and tribal solidarity.

Archeological data suggests that the people of Jordan's past went through cycles of settled living interspersed with periods when they would become very mobile and nomadic. It is believed that during times of peace and freedom the people would settle down, build small cities and establish farmsteads and plant orchards.

During difficult times of severe occupation by foreign powers and heavy taxation, the people would cope by abandoning their settled lands for a highly mobile nomadic lifestyle. Their flexibility in use of land, accommodation, social structure and economies not only allowed these people to survive but also shaped a culture of hardiness.

Through tribal honor and a virtual institution of hospitality, the people were able to develop systems of alliance and self-policing that allowed them to thrive outside the structure of a formal big government.

These timeless traditions have created a people today who are hospitable, warm and friendly to visitors and strangers. Perhaps the most frequent phrase the visitor to Jordan will hear is, "Welcome to Jordan".

Thank you for visiting Jordan!