Roman castra of Dajaniya, Roman military fortress in Ma'an Governorate, Jordan
The Roman castra of Dajaniya is a ruined military fortress built from local basalt stones in the desert. Its internal layout with barrack areas, storage rooms, and central command building follows the standard Roman military fort design.
The fort was built in late antiquity as an outpost between other legion bases to monitor trade and movement on a major route. It remained in use for about 200 years before declining in importance as political boundaries shifted.
The name reflects its role as a stopping point where Roman soldiers and merchants met on trade routes. The physical layout reveals how military life operated in this desert environment under Roman rule.
The site is remote and sits in open desert with no shelter from sun or shade. Visitors should arrive early in the day, bring plenty of water, and wear proper footwear for uneven ground.
The fort had a large water reservoir outside its walls that served both Roman soldiers and merchant caravans alike. This infrastructure made it a vital stopping point in this otherwise water-scarce desert region.
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