Hidden Historical Gem in Jordan: Humayma, #jordan #travel #humayma @exploringjordanwithjules

To get the most out of a trip to Jordan by hiring a professional driver like Ali Farash. It is the best investment. Hiring Ali gave me the flexibility to go anywhere I wanted. He offered suggestions to visit places the average tourist would not know about. He made every wish I had come true. 5 castles in 1 day. Subscribe and stay up to date with my journey by clicking the subscribe button. Check out other videos for handy hints and tips. My Exploration of Humayma, Jordan: A Hidden Archaeological Treasure Today I visited Humayma (also called al-Humayma or Hawara), a remarkably well-preserved archaeological site in southern Jordan, located about 50 km south of Petra along the ancient Via Traiana Nova road. This remote desert outpost has layers of history—Nabatean, Roman, Byzantine, and early Islamic—spanning over 2,000 years. A Crossroads of Civilizations Humayma was originally a Nabatean settlement (1st century BCE) before becoming a Roman military fort (Praesidium) under Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century CE. Later, it flourished as a Byzantine Christian community (4th–7th centuries) and an early Islamic town. The most famous resident was the Abbasid dynasty’s founder, Al-Saffah, whose family lived here before overthrowing the Umayyads in 750 CE. What I Discovered at the Site The Early Islamic Mosque – One of Jordan’s oldest surviving mosques (8th century), with a clear mihrab (prayer niche) facing Mecca. Its simple stone construction shows the transition from Byzantine to Islamic architecture. Five Byzantine Churches – I explored the ruins of a 3-aisled basilica with an apse and side rooms for vestments. The churches highlight Humayma’s Christian era before Islam. The Roman Fort – Remains of barracks and watchtowers from the Via Traiana Nova, a key trade/military route linking Syria to the Red Sea. Nabatean Water System – The most impressive feat! A 26.5 km network of aqueducts, cisterns, and channels carved into rock, showcasing Nabatean engineering (like Petra’s systems). I traced channels still visible today, designed to funnel scarce desert rainfall. Why Humayma Matters Strategic Location: A vital stop for caravans and armies between Petra and Aqaba. Religious Shift: The mix of churches and a mosque reflects Jordan’s transition from Byzantine to Islamic rule. Hydraulic Genius: The water system supported life in this arid region—similar to Petra but less famous. Tips for Visiting Access: Off the tourist trail! A 4x4 helps (or hire a driver from Aqaba/Petra). No entry fee, but check for military permits (it’s near a border zone). Best Time: Spring (March–May) or autumn (September–November) to avoid extreme heat. Final Thoughts: Humayma feels like an open-air museum without crowds. Standing in the silent ruins, I could almost hear Nabatean traders and Roman soldiers—a hidden gem for history lovers! My book HANDY CRUISE COMPANION, Cruise with Confidence is available on Amazon http://bit.ly/HandyCruiseCompanioneBook Check out my website http://www.julescruisecompanion.com.au/ Follow me on Facebook   / julie.burges.  . Follow me on Instagram   / julescruise.  . Copyright JCC