The ancient city of Umm Qais is one of the most prominent tourist destinations in northern Jordan, featuring Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic landmarks and representing significant cultural, civilizational, and touristic value.
اضافة اعلان
The western and northern theaters showcase the architectural and artistic mastery of the Roman and Byzantine periods.
Aysar Al-Radaideh, Head of Antiquities for Bani Kinanah District, told Petra that the construction of both theaters was completed in the second half of the 2nd century AD, serving as centers for theatrical performances, public celebrations, and popular plays of the time.
He explained that the western theater, located on the western edge of the Upper City (Acropolis), is built from black basalt stones and can accommodate about 3,000 spectators. It still preserves many architectural details reflecting the advanced engineering of that era.
The northern theater, also built from basalt stones, can hold approximately 5,000 spectators, but remains largely buried under debris, giving it an archaeological dimension that calls for further excavation and study.
Al-Radaideh noted that the design of both theaters demonstrates Roman engineering excellence in combining architectural beauty with practical functionality, as the semi-circular seating ensures clear acoustics for all attendees without amplification systems.
He added that archaeological excavations did not begin in the early 20th century as often believed, but rather during the 1960s and 1970s by foreign missions in cooperation with the Department of Antiquities, gradually uncovering parts of the theaters’ structures.
Restoration and maintenance work began in the late 20th century under the supervision of the Department of Antiquities to highlight architectural details and reintegrate the theaters into Umm Qais’s cultural and tourist path.
Al-Radaideh emphasized that Umm Qais was part of the Decapolis, ten Roman cities that were thriving cultural centers in the Levant, contributing to the construction of monumental architecture.
He said that the two theaters remain major attractions for visitors from inside Jordan and abroad, noting that the Department of Antiquities and the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities are working to develop the site’s infrastructure, maintain it, and promote it internationally, enhancing the city’s status as a hub for cultural tourism in northern Jordan.
Heritage and archaeology researcher Dr. Ma’an Shatnawi stated that standing on the theaters’ seating gives visitors a unique experience, as if traveling through time, highlighting that these landmarks are a living memory narrating the succession of civilizations in Umm Qais.
He added that the visitor experience extends beyond the theaters to include paved Roman streets, Byzantine churches, Ottoman houses, and the archaeological museum displaying artifacts reflecting successive civilizations, as well as a unique panoramic view of the Sea of Galilee, the Golan Heights, and northern Palestine.
Craftswoman Hiam Talabeh, specializing in traditional handcrafts, noted that hosting cultural and artistic events at the theaters allows artisans to showcase and sell their products to visitors, supporting local families and encouraging local industries.
She added that interest in heritage products increases during festivals, with visitors keen to acquire souvenirs reflecting the city’s identity and history, emphasizing that these activities provide an important economic boost alongside their cultural and touristic value.
— (Petra)
