Abila (Decapolis)

Abila (now Quwailiba / قويلبة or Quwailibeh called ) was an ancient city in what is now Jordan. It is located 13.5 km north of Irbid. An area of ​​1.5 km x 0.5 km, the ruins of the city spread over two hills. The northern hill is the Tall Abila, the southern Khirbat Umm al-' Amad. The site was inhabited continuously since the beginning of the 3rd millennium BC to the Iron Age. In the Seleucid period the place hence the name Seleucia Abila was re- established. According to Polybius Abila 218 BC under Antiochus III was. conquered. Was the latest at this time, the inclusion in the Decapolis.

From Roman times the road network, aqueducts and a theater are obtained ( on the northern slope of Khirbat Umm al-' Amad ). In addition, there are extensive, landscaped as an underground chamber tombs necropolis. They were equipped in different quality ( frescos ), which allows conclusions on the social classes in late antiquity and the Byzantine period. Some of the frescoes reach the level of the painted tombs of Palmyra, but are in poor condition and are not protected or restored for tourism. A big problem are grave robbers who destroy each year an unknown, but probably large number of antiquities.

The period of intense colonization is detected in the early Byzantine period ( 5th to 7th century). From this period three basilicas. In the Islamic period, many buildings were built of spolia in the vicinity of the theater.

Many remains are still found in the original condition, surrounded by olive groves and wheat fields.