World Heritage Identification Number: 1093
World Heritage since: 2004
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Archaeological Sites
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇯🇴 Jordan
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Arab States
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Exploring the Ancient City of Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a): A Journey Through Time
Um er-Rasas, also known as Kastrom Mefa'a, is a captivating archaeological site located approximately 30 kilometers southeast of Madaba in the Amman Governorate of Jordan. Situated in the semi-arid steppe region of the Jordanian Desert, the site was once accessible via branches of the King's Highway and is believed to be associated with the biblical settlement of Mephaat, as mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah.
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Most of this archaeological site, which started as a Roman military camp and grew to become a town from the 5th century, has not been excavated. It contains remains from the Roman, Byzantine and Early Muslim periods (end of 3rd to 9th centuries AD) and a fortified Roman military camp. The site also has 16 churches, some with well-preserved mosaic floors. Particularly noteworthy is the mosaic floor of the Church of Saint Stephen with its representation of towns in the region. Two square towers are probably the only remains of the practice, well known in this part of the world, of the stylites (ascetic monks who spent time in isolation atop a column or tower). Um er-Rasas is surrounded by, and dotted with, remains of ancient agricultural cultivation in an arid area.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (i): Um er-Rasas is a masterpiece of human creative genius given the artistic and technical qualities of the mosaic floor of St Stephen's church.
Criterion (iv): Um er-Rasas presents a unique and complete (therefore outstanding) example of stylite towers.
Criterion (vi): Um er-Rasas is strongly associated with monasticism and with the spread of monotheism in the whole region, including Islam.
Encyclopedia Record: Umm ar-Rasas
Umm ar-Rasas is located 30 km southeast of Madaba in the Amman Governorate in central Jordan. It was once accessible by branches of the King's Highway, and is situated in the semi-arid steppe region of the Jordanian Desert. The site has been associated with the biblical settlement of Mephaat mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. The Roman military utilized the site as a strategic garrison, but it was later converted and inhabited by Christian and Islamic communities. In 2004, the site was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is valued by archaeologists for its extensive ruins dating to the Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim periods. The Franciscan academic society in Jerusalem, Studium Biblicum Franciscanum (SBF), carried out excavations at the north end of the site in 1986, but much of the area remains buried under debris.Additional Site Details
Area: 23.928 hectares
Number of Components: 2
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
(vi) — Directly associated with events or living traditions
Coordinates: 31.50167 , 35.92056
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Daniel Kirk, Public domain
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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A Top-Down, Multi-Method and Multi-Scale Approach to Studying the Byzantine–Umayyad Settlement of Umm ar-Rasas (Amman, Jordan)
A groundbreaking study at the UNESCO World Heritage Site Umm ar-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) in Jordan has successfully delineated the northern boundaries of its Byzantine–Umayyad settlement, a task previously confined to theoretical discourse. The research, conducted between 2021 and 2023 as part of an ongoing multidisciplinary project initiated in 2013, employed a novel combination of remote sensing technologies, archaeological surveys, laser scans, and geophysical prospecting. This multi-methodological approach allowed for the first shared interpretation of the settlement's configuration, offering significant insights into its spatial organization during this pivotal period.
Cozzolino, M., Di Palma, F., Gabrielli, R., Mauriello, P., & Scardozzi, G. (2025). A Top-Down, Multi-Method and Multi-Scale Approach to Studying the Byzantine–Umayyad Settlement of Umm ar-Rasas (Amman, Jordan). Heritage, 8(5), 177. https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8050177
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Geophysical and Geomatic Methods for the Knowledge, Conservation, and Management of Jordanian Cultural Heritage
Non-destructive geophysical and geomatic methods offer a transformative approach to documenting, researching, and protecting Jordan's rich archaeological heritage. A two-decade synthesis of projects across seven key sites, including Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), demonstrates their effectiveness in uncovering buried structures and assessing preservation states. This method provides an up-to-date overview of Jordan’s cultural landscape, supporting restoration efforts while preserving invaluable historical traces. The study underscores the potential of these techniques to prevent destruction and loss, offering a robust framework for heritage conservation.
Angelini, A., Cozzolino, M., Gabrielli, R., Gentile, V., & Mauriello, P. (2023). Geophysical and Geomatic Methods for the Knowledge, Conservation, and Management of Jordanian Cultural Heritage. Geosciences, 13(11), 349. https://doi.org/10.3390/geosciences13110349
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On Early Byzantine Images of Poleis
Late antique representations of cities, particularly those found on the mosaic pavement of Saint Stephen at Kastron Mefaa (modern Umm ar-Rasas, Jordan), reveal a profound connection between eschatological salvation and pilgrimage networks. The study demonstrates that these cityscapes and personifications were not merely artistic expressions but carried significant political and ideological messages. They symbolized 'order' and 'economy,' key concepts in Byzantine political thought, ensuring social well-being for inhabitants and safe pilgrimage routes for the faithful. This notion of good administration extended to city personifications, further emphasizing Byzantium's political ideology of ecumenicity and Constantinople's civilizing mission during Justinian's era. The research approach involved analyzing a profuse assemblage of artifacts, including the Carolingian ivory diptych with Roma and Constantinopolis, to uncover these underlying messages.
Albani, J. P. (2023). On Early Byzantine Images of Poleis. The Routledge Handbook of the Byzantine City, 405–426. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429203923-24
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Study and enhancement of the heritage value of a fortified settlement along the Limes Arabicus. Umm ar‐Rasas (Amman, Jordan) between remote sensing and photogrammetry
A fortified settlement along the Limes Arabicus, Umm ar-Rasas (Amman, Jordan), has been extensively studied using advanced remote sensing and photogrammetry techniques to enhance its heritage value. The research revealed significant details about the castrum's construction phases, alterations, and conservation state through the analysis of historical aerial photographs and high-resolution satellite images, including Pléiades 1B (2020) and Pléiades Neo (2022). Multitemporal remote sensing data, combined with terrestrial photogrammetry using a Canon 5D Mark II and laser scanner surveys with Faro 120 and Faro 330 x, documented archaeological crop marks and buried ancient features. The study also identified stone material extraction locations, water reserves, canalization systems, and cultivated land organization, contributing to an updated archaeological map integrated into a GIS platform. These findings aim to support future valorization initiatives for the site.
Di Palma Francesca, Roberto, G., Pasquale, M., Miccoli Ilaria, & Scardozzi Giuseppe. (2023). Study and enhancement of the heritage value of a fortified settlement along the Limes Arabicus. Umm ar‐Rasas (Amman, Jordan) between remote sensing and photogrammetry. Zenodo. https://doi.org/10.5281/ZENODO.8306382
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The study of Limes Arabicus using aerial and satellite remote sensing documentation. The case of Umm ar-Rasas (Amman, Jordan)
Aerial and satellite remote sensing reveal the potential of Umm ar-Rasas, Jordan, as a key fortified settlement along the Limes Arabicus—a historic frontier transitioning from Roman to Byzantine rule. This study demonstrates how modern survey techniques, including photogrammetry and laser scanning, can identify, document, and preserve ancient settlements in this region. The findings highlight the significance of integrating remote sensing with advanced mapping tools for archaeological research, paving the way for site valorization programs such as virtual and real-world routes to enhance public engagement with heritage sites.
Di Palma, F., Gabrielli, R., Miccoli, I., & Scardozzi, G. (2023). The study of Limes Arabicus using aerial and satellite remote sensing documentation. The case of Umm ar-Rasas (Amman, Jordan). Proceedings of the 2022 IMEKO TC4 International Conference on Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage, 316–319. https://doi.org/10.21014/tc4-arc-2023.060
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Multidisciplinary Approach for the Analysis of Structural Heritage at Risk: The Case Study of Stylite Tower at Umm ar-Rasas (Jordan)
A critical structural analysis of the Byzantine Stylite Tower at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), Jordan, reveals a dangerous leaning towards the northwest, posing immediate risks to its stability. The study, combining aerial photogrammetry and terrestrial laser scanning data from 2016 and 2019, identified potential out-of-plane mechanisms involving the upper cell walls and tower facades, suggesting urgent conservation measures are needed. This multidisciplinary approach, integrating historical investigations with advanced 3D modeling, provides unprecedented insights into the tower's structural vulnerability, highlighting a previously unrecognized risk scenario.
Pierdicca, R., Intrigila, C., Piccinini, F., Malinverni, E. S., Giannetti, I., & Caruso, G. (2021). Multidisciplinary Approach for the Analysis of Structural Heritage at Risk: The Case Study of Stylite Tower at Umm ar-Rasas (Jordan). International Journal of Architectural Heritage, 17(5), 745–769. https://doi.org/10.1080/15583058.2021.1966554
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Combined use of 3D metric surveys and non-invasive geophysical surveys at the Stylite Tower (Umm ar-Rasas, Jordan).
Non-invasive geophysical and 3D metric surveys reveal critical structural insights for the preservation of Umm ar-Rasas' Stylite Tower, a UNESCO-listed symbol of Jordanian heritage. The study employed photogrammetry, laser scanning, and ground-penetrating radar (GPR) to document deterioration patterns such as plaster detachment, water infiltration, erosion, and fractures without damaging the monument. These techniques provided high-resolution data essential for structuring diagnostic, consolidation, and restoration efforts, ensuring both public safety and the long-term preservation of this unique ancient structure.
Cozzolino, M., Gabrielli, R., Galata’, P., Gentile, V., Greco, G., & Scopinaro, E. (2019). Combined use of 3D metric surveys and non-invasive geophysical surveys at the Stylite Tower (Umm ar-Rasas, Jordan). Annals of Geophysics, 62(3), SE339. https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-8060
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Stability and seismic vulnerability of the Stylite Tower at Umm Ar-Rasas
Research on the Stylite Tower at Umm Ar-Rasas, Jordan, reveals critical insights into its stability and seismic vulnerability, offering foundational data for potential retrofit interventions. The study employed in situ experimental tests, including Schmidt-hammer tests on stone blocks and passive seismic measurements, to analyze soil and structural material properties. Stability was assessed assuming an elastic-perfect plastic behavior in compression for masonry, while a push-over seismic analysis using finite solid element modeling with a Drucker-Prager yield criterion further evaluated its vulnerability. These findings provide essential guidance for preserving this unique historical structure against seismic risks.
Clemente, P., Delmonaco, G., Puzzilli, L., & Saitta, F. (2019). Stability and seismic vulnerability of the Stylite Tower at Umm Ar-Rasas. Annals of Geophysics, 62(3), SE340. https://doi.org/10.4401/ag-8004
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Virtual museum enriched by GIS data to share science and culture. Church of Saint Stephen in Umm Ar-Rasas (Jordan)
A groundbreaking approach integrates GIS data with multimedia applications to preserve and share the cultural heritage of Umm ar-Rasas, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan. The study focuses on the Church of Saint Stephen, leveraging geomatics surveying, geophysics, and historical investigations to create a geo-database and orthophoto of its iconic mosaic floor. This data management system enables both experts and visitors to explore the site's evolution through Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), offering unprecedented insights into its iconographic repertoire and historical significance. The innovation lies in the seamless flow of information across platforms, enhancing dissemination while safeguarding this invaluable heritage.
Malinverni, E. S., Pierdicca, R., Di Stefano, F., Gabrielli, R., & Albiero, A. (2019). Virtual museum enriched by GIS data to share science and culture. Church of Saint Stephen in Umm Ar-Rasas (Jordan). Virtual Archaeology Review, 10(21), 31. https://doi.org/10.4995/var.2019.11919
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Automatic Mosaic Digitalization: a Deep Learning approach to tessera segmentation
A deep learning approach successfully automates the segmentation of mosaic tesserae, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy over manual methods. This technique, applied to the mosaic floor of the Church of St. Stephen at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a), demonstrates high reliability in identifying non-homogeneous tesserae, a critical step for digital mosaic analysis. The method enables automatic cataloging, figure extraction, geolocalization, and semantic interpretation, addressing longstanding challenges in mosaic research. Experimental results on the collected dataset validate its effectiveness, offering a robust solution for large-scale mosaic digitization.
Felicetti, A., Albiero, A., Gabrielli, R., Pierdicca, R., Paolanti, M., Zingaretti, P., & Malinverni, E. S. (2018). Automatic Mosaic Digitalization: a Deep Learning approach to tessera segmentation. 2018 Metrology for Archaeology and Cultural Heritage (MetroArchaeo), 132–136. https://doi.org/10.1109/metroarchaeo43810.2018.13606
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Umm Ar-Rasas: The Application of Integrated Methodologies for the Valorization of a Unesco Site
A groundbreaking approach to the preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites has been demonstrated at Um er-Rasas (Kastrom Mefa'a) in Jordan. The research, led by CNR-ITABC, successfully integrated advanced techniques such as laser scanning and photogrammetry to create detailed geometric models of two Byzantine churches and their mosaic floors. These models not only enabled precise documentation of the archaeological area but also provided critical data for interpreting the masonry and mosaics' conditions. The study's innovative methodology offers a blueprint for planning restoration projects, focusing on arresting the decay of mosaics by identifying key conservation challenges and designing sustainable tourist pathways. This work underscores the potential of integrated digital techniques to enhance the protection and valorization of culturally significant sites.
G, G. (2018). Umm Ar-Rasas: The Application of Integrated Methodologies for the Valorization of a Unesco Site. Global Journal of Archaeology & Anthropology, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.19080/gjaa.2018.06.555688
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