Eastern Desert, 20 km east of Amman
8th Century AD

Residents – FREE
Non-residents – FREE

NO

North 31° 48′ 45″
East 36° 06′ 12″

4.4/5

Qasr Al-Muwaqqar

Qasr al-Muwaqqar is an Umayyad-era complex located east of Amman, Jordan, notable for its advanced water management system. Constructed in 723 AD by order of Caliph Yazid II ibn Abd al-Malik, as indicated by an inscription found on-site, the complex once featured a palace, a large reservoir, and numerous cisterns. Although the palace itself has largely been reduced to ruins, remnants such as intricately carved acanthus leaf capitals and a water gauge column attest to its historical significance.

The water infrastructure at Qasr al-Muwaqqar was particularly sophisticated, comprising at least 18 remaining cisterns and a sizable reservoir that continues to be utilised today. This system was designed to collect and store rainwater, ensuring a reliable water supply in the arid environment and supporting both the inhabitants and passing caravans. The presence of a bathhouse approximately 700 meters southeast of the main complex further underscores the importance placed on water management in the Umayyad period.

SHARE

Related Posts

You Might Also Like

Latest
Sections
Periods
Themes