Ancient BuildingPella

Ancient Town Pella

Ancient Town Pella

The ancient town can be visited

The ancient city of Pella, located in northwestern Jordan, is a fascinating ruin site with a remarkably long history of settlement. Known as part of the Decapolis, it bears witness to a rich past spanning from the Neolithic period to the Byzantine and Umayyad eras.

History+

The settlement of Pella began in the Neolithic period and persisted for millennia thanks to a constant water source in Wadi Jirm. First mentioned in the 19th century BCE as 'Pihilum' or 'Pehel' in Egyptian texts, the name was later Hellenized to Pella, possibly in homage to Alexander the Great's birthplace in Macedonia. The city flourished under Roman rule as part of the Decapolis and likely served as a refuge for early Christians from Jerusalem. Several temples from the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as three large basilicas from the Byzantine era, attest to its significance. An earthquake in 747 ended its Umayyad prosperity, after which Pella diminished to a small village.

Location+

Pella is situated in the Jordan Valley, approximately 85 km north of Amman, in the Northern region of Jordan. The site lies at an elevation of approximately -64 m above sea level.

On site+

Visitors can explore the extensive ruins of the ancient city of Pella today, which offer insight into its diverse history and architecture.

Nearby+
  • Ancient City of Scythopolis (Ancient Buildings), approx. 12.2 km away
  • Ajloun Castle (‏قلعة الربض‎) (Ruin), approx. 17.3 km away
  • Belvoir Crusader Castle (כוכב הירדן‎) (Fortress), approx. 18.4 km away
  • Ancient City of Gadara (Ancient Buildings), approx. 23.7 km away

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Byzantine_Basilica.jpg?uselang=de

This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.

Location: 32.4494, 35.6156