Irbid

Irbid

Known in ancient times as Arabella or Arbela, Irbid is home to the prestigious Yarmouk University. Artifacts and tombs in the area are evidence that Irbid was inhabited in the Bronze Age. Pottery and masonry fragments found at Tell Irbid were dated to 3200 B.C., and the city wall was dated to 1300-1200 B.C. The city was a major trading center during the Hellenistic period when it was known as Arabella. Prior to the advent of Islam, Arabella was famous for the production of some of the best wines in the ancient world. The area was blessed with extremely fertile soil and a temperate climate, which allowed high quality grapes to grow. A visit to Irbid is guaranteed to include significant historical sites, as is most of Jordan. It has been inhabited by Greek, Roman and Islamic peoples, each of whom left significant architectural remains. The city also played a significant role in Roman history, since it was part of the Decapolis Pact, which was made up of ten cities that the Romans conquered. Today, it is a vibrant city with museums, ancient architecture and upscale appeal. With fewer tourists than the more popular Jordanian cities, a visit to Irbid reveals an authentic Jordanian way of life with tasty street food stalls, restaurants and local shops. It is home to the prestigious Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, which has collections dating back to the Neolithic period. One of Irbid's most famous museums is Dar Al-Saraya, a former prison built in 1886 that has been transformed into a museum of Irbid's history.