WIP · World in Pocket

Ayn al-Zara

Italy

Ayn al-Zara

Ayn al-Zara (Arabic: عين الزارة, romanized: ʿAyn al-Zʾāra), known in ancient times as Callirrhoe (Ancient Greek: Θερμὰ Καλλιρόης, Thermà Kallirhoēs), is an archaeological site in Jordan. It includes the remains of a nymphaeum, though it is considered difficult to be interpreted. Callirrhoe is known

in ancient literature for its thermal springs, because it was visited by King Herod according to Josephus shortly before his death in 4 BCE, as a final attempt to be cured or relieve his pains. It remains unknown if the "greatest builder in Jewish history" is related to any of the observable remains in the area. Callirrhoe is referred by Pliny the Elder (Natural History, 70-72), Ptolemaeus (Geography 15,6) and Solinus (De mirabilibus mundi 35,4) as well as in a Midrash.

Listen to the audio guide for Ayn al-Zara Free on WIP — starts by itself when you arrive, even with the screen off

Nearby