Bab edh-Dhra, Archaeological site near Dead Sea, Jordan
Bab edh-Dhra is a Bronze Age settlement that sprawls across several hectares with residential buildings and thick stone walls still visible today. The site also features an extensive burial ground containing thousands of graves of different construction types.
The settlement was discovered in the early 20th century and dates back to the earliest period of civilization in the Near East. It served as a living community for many generations before inhabitants eventually abandoned the location.
The burial grounds display different tomb types that reveal how funeral customs changed over time among early inhabitants. Walking through the site, visitors notice stone structures built for the dead, suggesting strong beliefs about honoring those who had passed.
The site sits in a dry region near the Dead Sea, so visitors should bring plenty of water and sun protection when exploring. The ruins are largely uncovered, making it easy to walk around and see the layout of different structures.
The burial complex was far larger than the residential area, suggesting people traveled from distant places to bury their dead here. This makes it one of the most important regional funeral centers of the early Near East.
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