Qasr Uweinid is a small Roman fort situated on the tip of a low basalt spur, around 15 km southwest of Qasr Azraq in Jordan. Built in the 3rd century AD, it served to protect the source of Wadi as-Sirhan, now located in Saudi Arabia. The fort was abandoned less than 100 years later, but its remains still stand as a testament to the Roman occupation of the area. The fort’s irregular plan includes a tower in the southwest corner and a small entrance on the west wall. An inscribed lintel between the entrance and the tower mentions Septimius Severus and L. Marius Perpetuus, the Governor of Arabia from 200 to 202, indicating a Roman military presence in Azraq during that period.
Today, visitors to Qasr Uweinid can explore the remnants of its basalt walls and structures, which offer panoramic views of Jordan’s eastern desert. The site’s remote location and the surrounding rugged landscape create a serene atmosphere, ideal for reflection and photography. Scattered potsherds and the visible eastern wall provide tangible connections to the past, while the fort’s design—with a central courtyard and rooms along the outer walls—offers insights into Roman military architecture. Though modest in size, Qasr Uweinid’s historical significance and the tranquillity of its setting make it a noteworthy destination for those interested in Jordan’s rich archaeological heritage.
