Touring the North, part 2: Beit Ras

The second stop on my northern tour was Beit Ras. Like Umm Qais, Beit Ras was also an ancient Hellenistic-Roman city, part of Decapolis. The exact location of this city is still undetermined, but most scholars suggest it is in the town Aydoun -- just north of Irbid.
























Pictured below -- The magical view from the top of the amphitheater at Beit Ras.


















This site is not "touristy" at all. You won't really find it in guide books or on the web, we only knew about it from an Irbidawee friend of Michael's.

Unfortunately, many of the historical landmarks in Jordan are crawling with tourists, so it was a breath of fresh air, to have this wonder all to ourselves. The only downside, to its non-tourist appeal, is that the upkeep of the site is quite poor. The grasses have begun to take over the amphitheater, the rubble from the excavation still remains at the entrance, and the garbage is quite an eyesore.

Pictured below -- Michael and I at Beit Ras.















Currently, the amphitheater, is the only known piece of the city. It was discovered by Jordan's Department of Antiquities and excavated in 2002. http://www.romanhideout.com/News/2003/jordantimes2003013.asp




Some of the adorable herds of sheep and goats that you see all over Jordan. This herd was grazing right outside the entrance to Beit Ras. The picture explains why I could never eat them, too cute!