Jabal Ataruz

Jabal Ataruz is a historically and archaeologically significant mountain located near the city of Madaba in Jordan. The summit stands at an elevation of approximately 750 meters and houses the remains of an Iron Age sanctuary associated with the biblical Kingdom of Moab. Archaeological excavations have uncovered a multi-phase temple complex, which is among the best-preserved religious sites of this era in the Levant. Inscriptions and artifacts, such as an inscribed altar, support the identification of the site with the Ataroth mentioned in the Mesha Stele. Geologically, the mountain has commanding views over the Wadi Mujib and the Dead Sea, emphasizing its strategic importance in antiquity. Settlement on the mountain dates back to the 12th century BCE, illustrating the religious and cultural development of the Moabites. Today, Jabal Ataruz is a key destination for historians and archaeologists studying the Iron Age in the Middle East. The finds at the site have contributed significantly to the understanding of Moabite cultic practices and their political history.

Nearby cities

Madaba

Madaba is world-famous for its Byzantine mosaics.

Ma'in Hot Springs

Natural thermal waterfalls cascade into a desert oasis, offering relaxation in mineral-rich waters.

Wadi Bin Hammad

A spectacular rainforest canyon in Jordan featuring hanging gardens and hot springs.

Karak

Karak sits majestically on a steep plateau in the central highlands.

Al-Jiza

Al-Jiza forms the southern gateway to the Greater Amman area.

History & landmarks

Dead Sea Basin

The Dead Sea Basin is the lowest point on the Earth's surface on dry land.

Monastery of Saint Gerasimus

The Monastery of Deir Hajla near Jericho is a desert oasis dedicated to Saint Gerasimus.

Qasr al-Abd

A Hellenistic palace near Iraq al-Amir, built from huge stone blocks.

St. George's Monastery

This monastery in Wadi Qelt is famous for its location in a deep canyon.

Mar Saba Monastery

This Greek Orthodox monastery hangs spectacularly on the cliffs of the Kidron Valley.

Nature

Wadi Mujib (River)

This spectacular canyon is often referred to as the Grand Canyon of Jordan and carries water year-round.

Dead Sea

This endorheic salt lake lies over 400 meters below sea level, making it the lowest dry point on Earth.

Dead Sea Coast

The lowest coastline on Earth, lined with sparkling salt crystals and mineral-rich mud beaches.

Jordan River

This historically and religiously significant river forms the natural border between Jordan and the Palestinian territories.

Dead Sea

The Dead Sea is an endorheic salt lake located at the lowest land elevation on Earth, famous for its extremely high salinity.

Dead Sea West Shore

The west shore of the Dead Sea features salt crystal formations and extreme environments.

Ein Feshkha Springs

These freshwater springs on the shores of the Dead Sea create a lush desert oasis.

Ein es-Sultan Spring

The Ein es-Sultan Spring is the primary water source for Jericho, supporting life for 10,000 years.

More places

Machaerus

The ruins of a Herodian palace on a steep hilltop, famous as the site where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded.

Mujib Biosphere Reserve

The lowest nature reserve on Earth captivates with its spectacular gorges and hidden waterfalls.

Wadi al-Wala

A picturesque gorge with a constant stream flowing through it, lined with dense oleander bushes.

Mount Nebo

An elevated ridge where Moses is said to have viewed the Promised Land, now an important pilgrimage destination.

Madaba Map

A 6th-century floor mosaic in St.

Qumran Caves

A series of caves in the Judaean Desert where ancient Jewish manuscripts were found.

Al-Maghtas

The historical baptismal site on the Jordan River, widely recognized as the authentic location where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist.

Wadi Bin Hammad Nature Area

This hidden gorge is characterized by hot springs and hanging gardens.