RAPHANA

Although organizations like the Abila Archaeological Project organize archaeological excavations, there is little to see today. This is due to the few buildings that have been uncovered so far by the archaeological team and the lack of explanations. The enthusiasts will appreciate all the same the visit, the others can pass their way. Around the spring of Ain Quwayliba, excavations have uncovered elements of a theater, an aqueduct, a road, tombs, gates, and other elements of the Greco-Roman city, such as temples dedicated to Athena, Herakles and Tyche, a nymphaeum as well as the remains of a Byzantine basilica and even a mosque. The remains of tombs dug into the rock, some of which are decorated with beautiful frescoes, are worth noting. Houses dating back to the Neolithic period have also been discovered, attesting to a very ancient occupation of the site. It can therefore be deduced that Raphana/Abila was occupied from 4000 BC until the Arab conquest. Contemporary historical and military accounts from the Roman period mention the capture of the city by General Pompey in 63. It gained its independence and continued to develop under Byzantine rule. Like many Roman cities, it was later abandoned, either by the Persian invasions or by the earthquake of 633. The Umayyads settled there briefly until the earthquake of 749. Abila continues to keep its secrets, as the city has not yet been excavated.