Madaba

Government

Madaba ( Moabite מהדבא, " waters of rest"; Arab مأدبا, DMG Ma ʾ DABA ) is a city in Jordan with 70 338 inhabitants ( 2004 census ). It is located around 35 kilometers south of Amman.

History

The city was founded by the Moabites is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible (eg Num 21,30 EU, Jos 13.9 to 16 EU). In the 1st century BC, the city came under Nabataean rule, from 106 AD, it was part of the Roman province of Arabia. In the 4th century the city was a bishopric, 614 it was conquered by the Persians. 746 an earthquake destroyed the city, which was then abandoned by the inhabitants and desolate. In 1880 she was repopulated by Christians, being under rubble ancient mosaics were found. In 1897 there were still remains of 10 churches, but they were already integrated into homes.

St. George's Church

The Greek Orthodox Church contains the famous mosaic from Madaba, which shows a map of Palestine from the 6th century.

City and Mosaic Museum

Museum of mosaics (partly on original locations ) and other archaeological finds. There is also an ethnological section.

Education

Madaba is home to the American University of Madaba.