Umm ar-Rasas (Kastron Mefa'a)

Umm ar-Rasas (also historically referenced as Kastron Mefa'a or Mephaat) is an archaeological complex in the semi-arid steppe of central Jordan, approximately 30 km southeast of Madaba and formerly reachable via branches of the King's Highway. The site served as a Roman military garrison and later developed as a settlement with notable Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim period remains, including churches and mosaics. Excavations by the Studium Biblicum Franciscanum at the north end of the site in 1986 and other archaeological work have contributed to its documentation. In 2004 Umm ar-Rasas was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is valued by archaeologists for its extensive ruins.