Alex
Umm el-Jimal, located in northern Jordan near the Syrian border, is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the region, often referred to as the “Black Oasis” due to its striking basalt stone architecture. The site was occupied from the Nabataean period through the Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic eras, serving as a vital town along ancient trade and military routes. Its ruins include over 150 structures built from black volcanic stone, such as houses, churches, barracks, water reservoirs, and towers, which give a unique and rugged character to the landscape. The preservation of multi-storied dwellings and intact arches offers a rare insight into daily life in a Late Antique desert town.
During the Byzantine period, Umm el-Jimal flourished as a thriving agricultural and Christian community, evidenced by the many churches that dot the site, including the prominent West Church and Cathedral. In the early Islamic period, it remained inhabited, adapting to changing political and religious dynamics. Today, the site is a valuable example of sustainable ancient architecture and urban planning, particularly its use of cisterns and water channels for survival in a harsh environment. Ongoing conservation efforts aim to preserve and promote Umm el-Jimal as a cultural heritage destination and a symbol of Jordan’s diverse historical legacy.
