Located in southern Jordan between Petra and Aqaba, Humayma is an ancient settlement with a rich history spanning the Nabataeans, Romans, Byzantines, and early Islamic periods. Founded in the 1st century BC by the Nabataeans, it served as a key trade and water supply station along caravan routes. The Romans later fortified the settlement, while the Byzantines built churches and a monastery, reflecting Humayma’s religious significance.

One of the site’s most notable features is its advanced water system, including aqueducts, reservoirs, and cisterns, which sustain life in the arid desert. The Abbasid family, before rising to power in the Islamic world, also lived in Humayma, making it a pivotal location in early Islamic history. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Nabataean buildings, a Roman fort, Byzantine churches, and early Islamic structures, offering a glimpse into the diverse civilisations that once thrived in this hidden desert location.