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PILLARS OF PATRIMONY: TRAVELLING ALONG THE KING'S HIGHWAY IN JORDAN
- jakefarrella
- Jan 30, 2023
- 2 min read
In constant use for the past three thousand years, the King's Highway through central Jordan runs alongside the river that gave the nation its name.
By Jake Austin, January 30 2023
A mosaic map uncovered in St. George's Orthodox Church in Madaba, Jordan details locations along the King's Highway by tile. (photo credit to Yadid Levy)
Known as Darb ar-Raseef, or "paved road" in Arabic, the ancient highway tells the history of Jordan though the many historical sites it connects. A recent BBC Travel report followed the north-south road, now paved in asphalt and labelled Highway 35. The history of Jordan over thousands of years can be traced in the curves of this ancient road, travelled by pilgrims, traders, and rulers over thousands of years.
The reporter passed Edomite, Nabataean, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic ruins along the many kilometer markers of the road. When Moses asked permission to lead the Israelites out of Egypt in the Book of Exodus, legend states it was this road that they freed slaves travelled. The earliest records naming the road as the King's Highway refer to its use for trading spices, many passing through the ancient city of Petra. Two thousand years ago, Petra was a mercantile city hosting endless Nabataean caravans, making the entire region prosperous. Some of its temples were carved directly into the stone face of the canyons, earning the site's position as one of the Seven Wonders of the World.
Another notable site is Kerak Castle, an original Crusader garrison built in 1142. Later taken by Islamic forces in 1188, the fort stands stronger than many comparable sites from the Crusades. The site brings tourists and their funds to Jordan, and is therefore maintained as a historical site. Various garrison town remains from outside the castle consistently turn up archeological finds.
It is possible to relive history by following Darb ar-Raseef. If the road could speak, imagine the unrecorded historical events it could share.
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