Abila (Raphana)

Abila or Ancient Raphana lies to the northern of Umm Qais. The largest site found among verdant agricultural fields at the modern Ain Quweilbeh spring. Abila is more brutal than Jerash and Umm Qais. Roman temples, Byzantine churches and early mosques lay among olive groves and wheat fields.

Excavations show the site was inhabited more than 5000 years ago in the early Bronze Age, and have been continually used by man since then. While several of its ancient structures have been excavated including aqueducts, tombs, gates and public buildings, Abila is especially fascinating because so much of its remains unexcavated, yet visible of the surface of the ground.