the city was renowned as a cultural centre. It was home to several classical poets and philosophers.
DID YOU KNOW? Umm Qays is the modernday name of ancient Gadara, it was mentioned in the late sixteenth century in the Ottoman tax records as “Mkes”, which, in Arabic means a frontier station for gathering taxes.
Directions By car or taxi: Take the Jerash - Irbid Highway north of Amman. Upon reaching the city of Irbid (about an hour’s drive) follow the signs that will take you to Umm Qays. Umm Qays is around 60 minutes away from Irbid and about 120 kms from Amman. By bus: There are regular services in air-conditioned coaches from Amman to Irbid.
Five-aisled basilica at Umm Qays.
Statue of the Greek God Zeus.
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