Um Qais, the ancient Gadara • Jordan

Step into the rich past of Jordan in under 5 minutes with our video focused on Umm Qais, the ancient Gadara. Explore the ruins of an old Greek colony that stands as a testament to a fascinating and strategic history. Walk the same paths once tread by the soldiers of Alexander the Great, feel the power of this impenetrable fortress, and delve into the epic Syrian wars of the era. Marvel at the numerous excellently preserved Roman remains from the reigns of history's most notable emperors. Traverse the maze of tunnels and aqueducts, remnants of a sophisticated water supply system of the past. Umm Qais is a journey through time, uncovering humanity's treasures. Don't miss this exceptional virtual experience!

This film was made on the basis of photos and videos taken during the trip Jordan (EN)

Reading the text below will help you better understand the historical context of the sites shown in this video.

Watch this video and don't hesitate to read the commentary on this ancient greek colony with numerous Roman remains in an excellent state of preservation in the ancient Gadara in Umm Qais in Jordan.

This film was made on the basis of photos and videos taken during the trip Jordan (EN)

Reading the text below will help you better understand the historical context of the sites shown in this video.

Um Qais, the ancient Gadara

Greek period

Located in northern Jordan, Um Qais is home to the ancient ruins of Gadara.

Gadara was an important center of Greek culture in the region. If archaeological evidence is to be believed, Um Qais was founded at the beginning of the 3rd century BC as a Greek colony by the troops of Alexander the Great. Gadara was considered the strongest fortress in the region, which was justified by its strategic position in the 6 Syrian wars that opposed the Selucides and the Ptolemaics between 274 and 188 BCE.

Roman period

Later, the Nabataeans dominated the region until the capture of the region by the Roman general Pompey. Gadara was attached to Judea and the death of King Herod was attached to the Roman province of Syria.

A water supply system of 170 km of tunnels and aqueducts was built to bring water from the springs of southern Syria to a growing population.

Many monuments visible today date from the time of Septimius Severus, from 235 to 193 BC.

Gadara has long retained its importance, and at the beginning of the Christianization of the Eastern Roman Empire, it was the seat of a bishopric.

Muslim period

The Muslims conquered the region in 636 and a large part of the city was destroyed by a major earthquake in 749. But the city was partly rebuilt and appears in the 13th century in the writings of historians under the name of Mukais, which would evolve into Um Qais.

about the place, Umm Qais:

Umm Qais is a small town located on the borders with Syria and Israel in northern Jordan. In Greco-Roman times it bore the name of Gadara. Gadara was an important cultural center and preserves magnificent ruins.

 

 

Spoken comments in the film: 

Jordan is full of remarkably preserved Roman sites. Um Qais is one of those sites. Um Qais is a small town located on the border with Syria and Israel in northern Jordan. 

In Greco-Roman times, it was called Gadara. Gadara was an important cultural center and preserves magnificent ruins.

 

Music:

 - YouTube video library - Crisis - Scoring Action, (© Crisis - Scoring Action by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100277

Artist: http://incompetech.com/)

 - YouTube video library - Crusade - Video Classica, (© Crusade - Video Classica by Kevin MacLeod is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Source: http://incompetech.com/music/royalty-free/index.html?isrc=USUAN1100884

Artist: http://incompetech.com/)

Disclaimer: Despite its appropriateness, copyright issues prevent the use of jordanian traditional music in "Um Qais, the ancient Gadara • Jordan", hence the use of royalty-free music. Despite our careful selection, some might regret this decision, which is necessary to avoid potential lawsuits. Although difficult, this decision is the only viable solution.

Um Qais, Jordan, Umm Qais
Greco-Roman columns, Umm Qais • Jordan

Greco-Roman columns

main street of ancient Gadara, Umm Qais • Jordan

main street of ancient Gadara

olive trees on the site of ancient Gadara, Umm Qais • Jordan

olive trees on the site of ancient Gadara

amfitheater, Umm Qais • Jordan

amfitheater

Um Qais, Jordan

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