Ancient City Abila

Continuous settlement at Abila began in the early 3rd millennium BCE and lasted until the Iron Age. During the Seleucid period, the city was refounded, which is reflected in its name Seleukia Abila. In 218 BCE, the city was conquered by Antiochus III and was incorporated into the Decapolis league of cities at the latest by this time. Abila experienced its flourishing in the early Byzantine period between the 5th and 7th centuries, evidenced by three basilicas. Even in Islamic times, buildings were constructed here using repurposed materials.

The ancient city of Abila is located approximately 13.5 kilometers north of Irbid, in the Irbid district of the Northern region in Jordan. The ruins are situated at an elevation of about 424 meters above sea level and are spread across the hills of Tall Abila and Khirbat Umm al-'Amad.

Visitors today can explore the remains of the ancient city of Abila. The site, amidst olive groves and wheat fields, still features a Roman road network, aqueducts, and a theater. There are necropolises with underground chamber tombs, which once had frescoes. Many of these artworks are in poor condition and have not been restored for tourism.