The hills Tell Abil and Khirbet Umm el 'Amad enclose the urban area of ancient Abila.

The ruins, located mainly on the western side of the Wadi Queilbe, reveal an ancient basalt-paved road that winds through temples, a theater and several churches. There are numerous graves decorated with frescoes in the adjacent valley slopes.
In Byzantine times, three large churches existed in Abila which functioned as the diocesan town. From the early 5th century, the location seems to have been slowly abandoned after several severe earthquakes. Today the place is uninhabited.
The river bed on the old Roman bridge over the wadi, is about 3.50m silted and consisted of large amounts of water, which flowed down to the valley. Above in the valley there is the Ain Queilbe. About 150m further upstream there was one of the few bridges within the Decapolis Aqueduct. Surely, the oldest and longest used one was the local aqueduct of the Ain Queilbeh. Due to the given height situation and not only because of the additional need for water, two more aqueducts were built on the western slope of the wadi; another route ran from the west, between the two settlement hills. There is a presumption that there was another channel running northern, coming from the west. With very high probability, these are all sub channels (Seitenentnahmen) of the Qanat Fir'aun. In the case of Abilas, the supply channel from the Decapolis aqueduct, the Qanat Fir'aun, is clearly higher than the aqueduct of the Ain Quelbe, due to the reason that it met the requirements. Based on the example of Gadara, it could be demonstrated that an increased demand for water, caused by the strong growth of the urban population, could be satisfied by the expansion or conversion of the existing inner-city channels and reservoirs.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the place.

Where was the Raphana of the Decapolis located?

Raphana, which is mentioned only once in connection with the Decapolis (by Pliny), is searched by different researchers at completely different places. By omitting Raphana in the second list of the Decapolis cities, some are looking for it, in Abila, or Capitolias / Beit Ras.
N. Fuller, who excavated in Abila and the Wadi Queilbeh, did not believe in this connection and searched the location of Raphana in Er-Rafid in the Golan northeast of the Sea of Galilee; due to the reason that the place includes at least a few ruins and a small aqueduct, according to G. Schumacher. However, she could not confirm this thesis.
Other researchers before noticed a similarity in name to the biblically named Raphon. Due to the reason thatver, this in turn should have rest on the Khirbet er Rafe, they has expected there the Raphana of the Decapolis. Since R.Dussaud 1927 (p.338f), this thesis was often repeated. Dussaud's estimate already based only on theoretical considerations and inaccurate old maps, as well as comparisons with other potential locations. Dussaud did not know the location as we clear see as he assigned it to the wrong river course and to the wrong side of it.
In addition, there where no excavations or valid archaeological finds there, which could prove this to some extent. Until today, the area is occupied by the Syrian military. Even old satellite imagery shows only military positions and a large area that has been overgrown spaciously. Strategically but well located on the banks of the Wadi Ezra river course, it positions itself between the much larger old settlement of Sheik Mishkin in the southwest and Ezra (the ancient Zorava) in the northeast. From the north, the old pilgrim and trade route passing 1.3km to the west, but even in old pictures no path can be found to this Khirbet. Since the 17th century, none of the numerous international travellers has mentioned only one archaeologically relevant remnant, or even a capital of a column or something similar. So only the similarity in name of er-Rafe to the Raphon of Judas Maccabaeus remains, which was used 100 years ago.
East of this location, the Decapolis Aqueduct crosses the Wadi Ezra on a Bridge or rather its remains, which has never been described before. (Link). Most of the old maps showing Er-rafe at the other side of the Aqueduct line, which is a further prove of the unsecured and unvisited/unsurveyed position of the Khirbet.
All in All, it can be exluded that Khirbet er Rafe was a decapolis city. Lastly there are in addition no indications at all for a side channel from the Decapolis aqueduct.

So where was Raphana located?? The Raphanaea (now Zor Baarin), which is also known from the first ecclesiastical councils, lying northwest of Emessa (today Homs) and far away in northern Syria, is usually excluded. Due to the reason that Raphana must have been of special importance at this time (Military or by Trade) ,connected with Hellenistic traditions and in Addition all Decapolis cities became a bishop seat, except Dion (which is also mentioned here), there is a very plausible and better alternative!

Today's El Musmije at the northwest end of the Trachonitis (El Leddja) was called "Phaena" or "Phanae" at that time. As the bishop seat it bore the Latin name "Phaenesiensis". Maybe this Location is the successor City of the real Raphana.

Here were Greek Roman temples, an Inn and much more. The travellers of the 19th century wrote about a city which was bigger in size than Bosra, Jerusalem, or even Damascus at that time. Also very interesting and also confirming the thesis first mentioned by, are the Roman legions usually associated with Raphanea. According to J.L.Burckhardt, Waddington and others, several consecration and foundation inscriptions of the 2nd-4th century after Christ were found about the LEG III Gallica as well as the LEG XVI Flavia Firma. The so-called Pretorium, one of the largest structure in the region, was built around 171 AD (A. Segal 164-169 AD). Originally it was one of the temples of the city, in which probably later various statues of military and urban "sizes" were set up. Even later this particular building was used as a church.
It seems that the name of the city had been interpreted differently again during the 4th and 5th centuries. The Notitia Dignitatum refers to Dia-fenis under the Dux Arabia, which is logically equated with Phaina / Phaena by O.Seeck. At this time, as an important centre as well as the location of archer units, Leg. III Gall. was deployed in Danaba near Damascus pursuant to Not. Dign. Raphanaea, located north of Emessa, is not mentioned in this voluminous national handbook.
We owe to the early travellers of the 19th century that we are still aware of this; because between 1870 and 1890 the temple and many other buildings in the village were completely razed by Ottoman troops and the stones were probably reused in military camps of the area. Fortunately, the already described and numerous other inscriptions (found in the surrounding area, at towers and milestones of the road which was built directly through the lava fields of the Leddja) prove that the legions mentioned had their main camp for nearly a century here. They designated themselves as the inhabitants of Phaena.

The proximity to a large legion-sized fort (called Ar-Rafi' ah) farther east, which, like Phaena, could oversee the connecting plain between the Arabian Desert and the Jordan Bridge north of the Sea of Galilee (Jisr Bene Jacob), illustrates the strategic importance of its location. Perhaps, this was the predecessor settlement and legion-base of Phaena until the end of the Parthian Wars (162 AD), with the Name Raphana. See also the Decapolis Because of this political change the military Fortress City Raphana was superseded by Phaena.

Phaena is one of the selected and ostensible significant places which is found on the Tabula Peutingeriana. There, recorded as Aenos , is the place which lies on the edge of the elevated lava flows of Trachonitis, between Damascus and Kanatha. The distances in miles, shown on the map, are almost identical to reality.

Regarding to my approach to the Location of the Raphana of the Decapolis, at the fortress City of Ar-Rafi'ah and after that in Phaena / el Musmije as his successor, I am looking forward for a good scientific discussion.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the place.

, was a diocese of the province Arabia and belonged to the archdiocese of Bostra.

The name already describes an "interposed or lying in between", mostly military place or station.'
Parembole was mainly used in Greek for a fort, Kastra etc. At the same time, a former diocese must clearly have had churches, which should be archaeologically demonstrated as well as the military camps.
In my opinion, there is no place better suited to this ancient diocese and to a Parembole than the present-day Rihab in Jordan between Jerash and Mafrak.

C. Steuernagel emphasizes the importance of Rihab in ancient times. (Adschlun T2 p.100)
So Rihab (spoken Chrab ) is actually an old place of settlement and lies "interposed", between the major path routes of this time. On the one hand, to the east of it, the main street called King- later Pilgrim-Street (Darb el Hadj) runs from north to south. To the south runs, coming from the west of Jerash and the Wadi ez Zerka, an ancient Roman road to Bosra towards east. To the west, an old north-northwest major road runs towards Pella and the northern Jordan Valley.
Rihab consisted of 3 relatively close forts, located on a hilltop. From this strategically important place one was able to overlook all caravans or troop movements.
According to today's archaeological findings, at least 8 churches were built up to the 7th century in Rihab. Numerous inscriptions and artistical mosaics prove a rich Christian tradition in this place, especially during Byzantine times.
The connection between Parembole in Arabia and the present-day Rihab presented here, seems to be very plausible after my historical-topographical research and I would be pleased if I could initiate a constructive discussion towards this direction.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the place.

, is this also the episcopal city of Chrysopolis in Arabia?

For this statement, I would like to cite some evidence which, of course, must conform with the archaeological findings and thus, can be a helpful tool.
When I first visited the Wadi ez Zerka in 2002, I first noticed the high ridge to the west of Tell, which contained at least one access road and probably an old water pipe. Additionally, some late Roman Byzantine times attributed column bases and capitals could be found even if they had already in part slipped down the western Tell. On the opposite northern mountain slope, a few remnants of an old aqueduct route existed. During the second visit in 2004, I led a group of Prof. J. Jeremias to the Tullul. However, excavations on a large scale had not begun yet; but we were not only impressed by the outstanding landscape aspect of this place, but also by the extent of the ruins of the two hills. Due to many years of private research on the territory of southern Syria and northern Jordan, I came to the following thesis. In the case of Tullul which, without any doubt, had populated far before the calendar, it is very possible that it is the diocese of Chrysopolis in Arabia from the Byzantine time.
I would like to quote the following statements:

• The prominent partially embossed walls of the eastern Tell and the visible pillars, bases and ornament (debris) at that time, also point to a settlement at Roman / Byz. time.
• The name of the ancient river Jabbok, today's Nahr ez Zerka, was demonstrably Chrysohoras at that time (see also names of Gerasa from that time)
• At least a clear parallel between the content meaning of the name of the diocese and the present day exist. Although certainly every traveler in this region had believed the handed-down stories of the Golden Hills (according to the statement of the population, actually every hill of ruins is such). Also, its current name could originated from this.
  The border between the dioceses largely corresponded to the former Roman provinces of Pal. I, Pal. II, Arabia / Pal.III and ran along at the eastern Jordan valley (Ghor). The Der Alla lying on the western valley exit, which is identified with Amathous in Pal., already belonged to the Archdiocese of Ceasarea (Pal. I). Whereas both Gerasa, located northeast, and Bacatha in Ara. southeast of the Tullul, were assigned to the archbishopric Bostra.

All those statements are certainly just suggestions and approaches for the identification, and any assignment of inscriptions could be much more precise; but perhaps, I can start a discussion about this topic and thus contribute to a solution.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the place.

, was also called Sennabris by Josephus.

The ancient predecessor settlements and also the common names today bears the name Khirbet el Kerak, Bet Yerah (House of the Moon).
In many cases, the name of the Bet - Yerah / Ariaḥ (ch) is also connected to the hills and plains lying here, but also for the hot springs a few kilometers north of the urban area (Hammat Ariaḥ (ch)). Bit Arḥ (ch) a a synonymous name is known. This may speak for an ancient cult around the moon and its sickle in this area around the Sea of Galilee. (thats why, the initial term Ark / Arca for a boat, is borrowed from the Moon, a sickle-shaped moon).
The city had a 1.6 km long city wall and at least one used even in Roman times fort of 54x54m (Kerak), right at the exit of the lake. According to A. Chancey there was also a complete antique bath with hot and cold pools.
The excavations also showed a 31x20 m sacral building,initially a synagogue, as well as a christian byzantine church built in the early 5th Century, rebuilt in the 6th century and finally destroyed at the beginning of the 7th century during a heavy earthquake . Many other Greek inscriptions could not be dated exactly.
Here, too, like in other decapolite cities, remains of an aqueduct from the hills in the southwest coming, both to the northern hot springs, as well as to the urban area.

Various coins found here from the Hellenistic period (Vinogradov 1992) lead to the conclusion that this place with Greek tradition was founded in the middle of the 3rd century BC, together with many other decapolis cities. The name of the City was taken from the sister and wife of the (new) founder ot the empire Ptolomaios Philadephos, which one had the Name Philoteria.
Although located here on the Jordan and the western end of the Sea of Galilee, Polybius Philoteria, as well as the cities of the Decapolis, reckons to "Coele Syria" and calls them together with Skythopolis. From the descriptions of Josephus, to Vespasian, again not the Greek, but the Talmudic name Sennabris on the way from Scythopolis to Tiberias is used. Further evidence of a flourishing Greek city in this place are not only the 2 slightly more south-facing bridges over the Jordan and the location at the main road links of this time, also the finding of a marble head, the Greek goddess and city goddess Agathe-Tyche can affirm this. (see also the treatise of L. Sukenik 1922)

The Philoteria does not appear in any of the "Decapolis lists" of that time, but this could be solved plausible with the given note to the Dekapolis regions surrounding the cities. There a "Arca" was mentioned by Pliny the Elder. (See also here under "The Decapolis") The derivation of the name Arca helps us as mentioned above to connect the Arca of Pliny with the region and the place of Philoteria /Sennabris (Ariaḥ (ch) - Bet Yerah).
Based on the listed evidence and the logical linkage to the urban areas of Gadara and Skythopolis, through the regional Polis of Arca , (with your at the same time newly founded capital Village of Philoteria), the topographical shape of the Decapolis region can clearly be harmonized.

The by Delougaz a.o. in 1960 discovered byzantine church, and a tomb of the Archimandrite of Helenopolis, not far from the neighboring village, suggest that this bishopric City actually was the succsessor Name of the greek Philoteria. Although the excavations of the church have not been published in detail, according to current state it should be noted that in this very area to this day the Christian tradition is rooted here. In addition to the now common baptismal site at the Jordan Valley near Jericho and the certainly correct, but now forgotten (proposed by the SWP of Conder, Wilson, Smith, Kitchener) Jordan ford called BethAbara northeast of Betshean, there also at the nearby place of Yardenit a strong baptismal tradition.
As a supplement, we should briefly refer to Kafr Kama, within certain literature identified with the bishopric of Heleno (u) polis. Certainly a significant site in terms of archaeological findings, however, the classical epoch is not comparable to El Kerak / Bet Yerah. The direct environment of Kafr Kama to the near bishoprics Eksalus (Iksal / Tabor), Tiberias and Nazareth also does not speak for this location. (See also Grootkerk)

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the place.

, or Kirjat Anab, a further Bet Rehob, the Dia on Damascius´ "Life of Isidore"

Many identifications were proposed for Tell esh Shehab, but none of them could definitely prove. The current name comes from a important and known family in the region and does not help here.

With its glacis and extraordinary location, the place itself shows that its history goes back far into the past. So in 1901 the rest of a fame stele of Seti 1 could be found here among residents. However, this representation, which can be dated in front of the stele "Sachret Aijub", is almost identical in appearance to this one.

On three sides, Tell esh Shehab is surrounded by steep slopes and thus almost perfectly protected. Looking down into the upper valley of the Jarmukvalley, 15 years ago a "huge" Syrian government center has been started to be built but due to the civil war, these construction measures are not completed; but about 2/3 of the rocky spurs are forever eroded down up to the fundamental rock layer and sealed with concrete.

Famous was the Tell esh Shehab for the incoming water channels and the Wadi el Baddje with its smaller waterfalls, as well as for the mills and the distinctive stilling basin of the large waterfall which had been formed over millennia.

Map detail from the DPV Map B3

,developed from the apostolic communities of the 2nd century very numerous to important dioceses in today's Jordan and Syria.

The literature points to the immense density of dioceses in Hauran and the area of the fading decapolis between the beginning of the 3rd and 5th centuries.
Partly and in intervals of 10km, bishops were consecrated in "Komen", thus villages. From all Decapolis cities which can be clearly located (the only exception is Dion), dioceses derived. These were the archdiocese of Bosra or Scythopolis today Bet Shean, subordinated. Many other episcopal cities emerged from Hellenistic local situations and have partially preserved to this day. In general, the Greek-speaking regions of the Levante were the pioneers here.

For comparison, it should be mentioned here that the area of the Decapolis shown below also corresponds approximately to the area of the German state of Hesse. On this territory and during the early years of the church, demonstrably more than 37 dioceses existed (D. Freshfield 1869 speaks of alone 33 dioceses in the only a quarter of Hauran, without naming them).
For comparison, today are 27 bishoprics in the entire Federal Republic of Germany.

The early Christian tradition, which entered this region early on and before solid ecclesiastical hierarchies, was thus adopted by the Arab tribes, which lived together with the Hellenistic population of the cities, and led, inter alia, to the emperor of the 3rd century - Philip Arabs-. It is said that he was already Christian.
At this point, I attach a certainly not complete but very useful list which gives you a good overview:
(The allocation is usually based on the acknowledged findings, the assignment in TAVO, italic assignments are secured by archaeological findings and are here put as a thesis by the author for a further discussion.)

• Archdiocese of Scythopolis (Bet Shean / Isr.) of the Prov. Palestine 2 included:
  Gadara (Umm Qais / Jor.)
  Pella (Tabaqat Fahil / Jor.)
  Capitolias (Beit Ras / Jor.)
  Helenopolis ( Beit Yerah-Khirbet Kerak / Isr. )
  Hippos (Kalaat al Husn-Susita / Golan-Isr.)
  Abila (Tell Abil Wadi Queilbeh / Jor.)
  Ecsalus (Mt. Tabor) (Iksal / Isr.)
  Tiberias (Tiberias / Isr.)
  Bethsaida (Bethsaida-Juliet / Isr.)
  Capharnaum (Kafernaum-Tabgha / Isr.)

• the archdiocese of Bostra (Bosra / Syr.) the Prov. Arabia included:
  Gerasa (Jerash / Jor.)
  Dionysias (As Suweida / Syr.)
  Canatha (Qanawat / Syr.)
  Saccaea (Shakka / Syr.)
  Neilon ( Deir Neilah / Syr. )
  Phaena (el Musmije / Syr.)
  Philippopolis (Shaba / Syr.)
  Tricomia (Salkhad / Syr.)
  Philadelphia (Amman / Jor.)
  Neapolis (Sheikh Saad / Syr.)
  Neve (Neve / Syr.)
  Eutyme ( Eitha or Tayma / Syr. )
  Lorea ( Umm es Zurab / Jor. )
  Adraa (Deraa / Syr.)
  Zorava (Ezra / Syr.)
  Esbos (Hesbon / Jor.)
  Parembole i.A. ( Rihab / Jor. )
  Constantia (Qalaat Buraq / Syr.)
  Chrysopolis ( Tulul edh Dahab on the Zerka, also Chrysohoras / Jor. )
  Aere-Errensis (Es Sanamein / Syr.)
  Baccata (Safut at Es Salt / Jor.)
  Bosana (Bosan-Saana / Syr.)
  Madaba (Madaba / Jor.)

• the archdiocese of Tyros (Tyros / Lib.) Prov. Phoenice included among others:
  Paneas Paneade (Banyas / Golan Isr.)

About the development and size of the Decapolis in the same area, please compare also "The Decapolis"

Here you can see the exact location.

Kalaat el Husn was the name of the hill shown on the maps of the 19th century.

Today the place is rather named after a nearby settlement Susita. Hippos, located high above the eastern shore of the Sea of ​​Galilee, shows many relics from Greco-Roman times. Thus, the identification with the Hippos of the Decapolis is not to be doubted. Certainly, however, the prominent local situation already seems to have been settled much earlier. It is still controversial, whether the ancient and Old Draconian Aphek lies here or on the eastern lying altitude Tell Sorek.
The sometimes still recognizable elements of a pressure or siphon pipe are the same as in Gadara. The Kalaat el Husn which is connected via a narrow spine with the actual location Susita, represents the acropolis area of ​​the city.

However, for this "double hill town" by name it "Hippos Dion" in different ancient literature, was never true and could never be proven. Additionally further enumerations mentions it with a comma in between and is therefore questionable as well.
Hippos was also supplied with water via a long aqueduct. The source of it lay in the village of Umm el Kanatir, passed the later Balduin's Castle (Kasr Berdawil) and then ran along slopes to Hippos.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the place.

was most likely the capital of the Assyrian province of Karnini and the Karnajim of the Bible

Besides Damascus and Haurini (the Hauran), Karnini was one of the three regions that King TiglatPileser conquered and incorporated in the 8th century BC.

To Carnea, the ancient name and the at least since the Iron Age settlement here adherent "Karnaijm", various traditions existed. These are usually the double name and the Ashtarot Karnaijm whoich is also mentioned in the Bible. Mostly due to the identification of the name with one of the two obvious Tullul Ashtara and Al-Ashari (description in the Onomastikon of Eusebius, etc.) and their name similarity, today's Sheikh Saad was often ignored.
However, Carneas / Karnaijm is said to have been Job’s hometown, and so in and around today's Sheik Saad, there are several references to Job / Ajjub and the eventful history of the place. The location of the episcopal city of Neapolis in Arabia towards Sheikh Saad, which can also be found in the TAVO, does not seem completely assured, although numerous ruins and ornaments of Christian origin seem to confirm this assessment. (so also ZDPV 14 p.142ff)

The Job tradition, however, is firmly rooted. Not only the pilgrim Egeria searched for it here.
Here you will find the "so-called" tomb of Job and the cachet Eijub a large stone monolith.
It was first noticed at the beginning of the 20th century that the image of Ramses II and an image of Baal Hadda, with corresponding consecrations on it, were written by stonemasons long time ago.

There is also the Hammam and Maqam Ajjub and in the nearby Der Ajjub we find the "Convent of Iob". This is according to old pictures a Hell./ Roman sanctuary, which, however, already had been in ruins at the end of the 19th century.

Very little is known and hardly mentioned in the literature are the remains of an Aramaic / Hittite palace, of which only the embrasure lion of the monumental gate were preserved. These monumental basalt lion figures, kept in Sendjirli (Sincirli) and Ain Dara style, certainly once adorned the portal of a palace and date back to around the 1st millennium BC. By comparing elaboration and style with other places they appear to be older than 3000 years.

Since general historiography assumes that the border between the Hittite and the Egyptian empires already clearly ran north of Damascus the 13th century BC, this palace could actually have been dated earlier. In any case, to my knowledge, it is the most southern location with this kind of artifacts and testifies to the extent of the great empire or its tradition and pictorial representation. After the disintegration of the Hittite Empire and after the regions fell piece by piece to Assyria, it is also plausible that, after the conquests of the 8th century BC, this important place became the center of the province and got the name of the place "Karnini".
Since no more reference has been made to the figures in any modern publication, unfortunately nothing is known about the current whereabouts of the figures or their archeological environment in Sheik Saad.

The immediate proximity of this important place to Tell Ashtara (less than 4km), which is usually associated with the depiction of the conquest of the city of Astarti, queries this "image" linkage in my view.
An Assyrian emperor would immortalize the most prominent and prestigious city on his palace frieze after winning a famous victory, even if it was not 4km away and then named after a whole province!
The Tell Ashtara, which today rises about 10-12 meters above the surrounding terrain, is certainly of utmost importance as a historical place (see also reports on the excavation campaigns 1966-69), but a consideration for a new link, seems reasonable and appropriate.
(See the whole topic also D.Kellermann - Ashtarot)
So it is to be considered, if the place located further south and despite eminent name deviation, nowadays Tell el Ashari or another significant Tell of the environment (Tell Zera'a) from the campaign of the TiglatPileser III, should be identified with the illustration and the designation - Al Astartu "City of Astarte". (see picture of the panel, today in the British Museum, above)

Extract from the DPV Map C3

, or according to the today valid and standardized transcription of the German Oriental Society, also

Tall Zira'a

, is one of the most important and distinctive settlement hills in northern Jordan.
At least since the early Bronze Age, this hill located the middle of the lower Wadi al'Arab, had been populated. Due to its well-protected and prominent location, as well as the unique artesian spring in the center, it was a predestined settlement place.

Located on important bronze and iron-temporal routes, the Tell included the most economical and water-rich causeway between the Jordan Valley and the plateaus in the east to the Hauran (Meddan plain near Muzeirib / Tell esh Shehab)
Protected behind the outer step of the Jordan Valley (El Ghor) and in sight connection with the Kh. El Muntar (Watchtower) lying on a hill there, the Tall cannot be seen from the plain of the Jordan Valley. However, it stands out clearly from the heights on the western edge of the Jordan Valley, in front of the mountains rising behind him. In the next picture you can see the impression of Kaukab el Hawa, the Belvoir of the Crusader era.
(single carousel: zeraa-von-belvoir2-img_0565-web.jpg)

Although U.J. Seetzen rode previously along the Tall in barely 2 km east on the day of the rediscovery of Gadara and thus must had seen it, his travelogues does not give provide any information about this.
We already find the first mention of Tell Zara'a, in 1839 on a French map. 1840 and 1850 J.Wyld and C.Zimmermann took parts of the French map over, as well as the Tall (with some distortion).
In 1860, Erhard, considering a large-scale map from the south end of the Sinai to Damascus in the north, estimated the "Tel Zara'a" to be so significantly important that it was noted on the map along with a few decapolis cities in the east Jordan.
All of these English and French maps are based, at least, on the Tall Zira'a, presumably on an older map, Arabian unknown secondary sources, or a rough approximation of the edge of the western Jordan Valley. Since there is no other settlement hill of this name in the entire area, it is clearly the Tall Zira'a.

The more recent detailed research about the Tall started with the descriptions of G. Schumacher and Dr. med. C. Noetling (Northern Ajlun 1890).
Since 2002, the Tall Zira'a has been archaeologically researched by the team of the BAI Wuppertal and the German Protestant Institute in Amman, under the direction of Prof. D. Vieweger.
Numerous important insights about the history and living conditions of the Tall were obtained during the excavation campaigns. Important finds and the results of this outstanding archaeological research are presented in detail on the website www.tallziraa.de , of the BAI and DEIAHL.

(single carousel: zeraa-rutsch3-web.jpg)

Here you can see the exact geolocation of this important ancient place.

Rabbat-Ammon, capital of the Ammonite kingdom

and today's capital of the Kingdom of Jordan
Due to its present size, many relics from Greco-Roman times have not survived. The most striking testimony is the theater with a view of the opposite citadel hill.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the city center (ancient Theatre).

Jerash, the Gerasa of Decapolis

Today, this modern village is located east of the archaeological area. With ist square surrounded by its oval pillars, the Cardo with the well-preserved Tetrapylon, the theater, the Artemis Temple and the restored Hippodrome at Hadrian's Gate, Gerasa forms an ensemble of Greco-Roman architecture, which - in its size and variety - has yet to be matched. At the junction of old trade routes, Gerasa was supplied by its own smaller aqueducts and cisterns.
 

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the city.

Betshean, Beisan or Skythopolis.

The place with millennia-old history, was the only city of the Decapolis (apart from the not directly mentioned but certainly also included Philoteria) west of the Jordan. Already mentioned in Egyptian campaigns, the city included besides the theater, stadium and many other things, certainly also sources and aqueducts. However, the city was not connected to the Decapolis Aqueduct.

Stelae found and mentions of the Pharaonic period, testify the history of the place. Also on the site of the crusader fortress Belvoir, not far north of the City, was probably an Egyptian outpost. Dominating the Esdralone plain, it has always been an important point in the transport network.
In Christian times and as an archbishopric, the bishop cities of Gadara, Capitolias, Hippus and Pella also beyond the Jordan belonged to Scythopolis.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the old city.

Pella, named after the place in Macedonia,

is still an important archaeological site just east of the Jordan Valley, located opposite the Decapolis city of Skythopolis. The current name Tabakhat Fahil, does not only refer to this name, but also testifies the presumably first mention of the place in the proscription texts of ancient Egypt as "pi hi li"

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the ancient city.

Qanawat, the place of the Qanats,

here ended one of the other known aqueducts for water supply in this region. One of this aqueducts owes its name to the governor of Syria, Aulus Cornelius Palma, who conquered the province of Arabia Petraa at the time of Emperor Trajan and brought it to bloom. The Qanat Fir'aun is very likely to be built a little bit later (around 170 aD), due to the reason that the region of Arabia Petraea was incorporated into the Roman Empire after AD 108. Qanawat has many archaeological evidence whose area recently, inter alia, was researched through the DAI by Dr. Freiberger.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the ancient city.

The Baths of Gadara,

Located about 3km northwest of the city of Gadara, they have always been known for their thermal springs. The ancient resort located at the junction of the Yarmuktal and the Jordan Valley is today in Israel. A few kilometers upstream, there are also thermal springs on the Jordanian side. Due to the political upheavals, this place Mukeiba with its Hotel, which flourished until 2005, is barely visited or militarily closed off.
Through these various sources in the immediate proximity, Gadara was never directly associated with an aqueduct to alleviate water needs. However, the old commentators disregarded the fact that the city of Gadara is over 500 meters altitude above Hamat Gader. For the Roman flowering period, especially during the Pax Romanum, "running water" was essential.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the ancient place.

Tell al Ashari located on the slopes of the Yarmuk valley,
and is identified on the basis of a few archaeological finds with the Dion of the Decapolis. The tell possessed one of the most striking features for the definition decapolis cities, a theater.
The existing settlement mound is archaeologically explored and clearly shows how entire areas, such as the aforementioned theater were ablated over the centuries. The well-researched and readable essay by A.Kropp about the Tell "Dion of the Decapolis" does not find opposite opinion to the location of Dion on the Tell al Ashari in the summary. but the episode on the "Dia" of Damascius in "the Life of Isidore" on closer inspection even fits better to Tell Esh Shehab and the neighboring Zeizoun. A. Kropp himself asumed that probably Taffas, located east of Tell, was more the urban center than Tell al Ashari.
The most used evidence are two almost unused / new coins from Dion, which were found in a grave northeast of the Tell,in 1931 by H.Seyrig. In any case, Tell al Ashari is an important location within the Decapolis.
Another unique feature of Dion is mentioned here and is under the point the first dioceses here again briefly illuminated. While all the well-known cities of the Decapolis and also serveral of the larger towns in it counted among the first mentioned bishoprics of Christianity, simply and solely Dion is missing from this list. The City of "Dionysias" of the diocese lists is clearly identified with today's As Suweida, southwest of Qanawat and todays capital of the entire region. All this speaks in favor of a "lost" place as Damascius describes it of "Dia".
But we have no real reasons for that, for example, was Abila also not located directly on an old main road and only connected to the Street network via a side connection. So decoupling from trading, during or at the end of the Decapolis period, is not a plausible reason for the abandonment of the City Dion. Perhaps, the proximity and location of Tell al Ashari, Tell Shehab, Zeizoun (Kafr Zizia), between the dioceses: Abilenus (Abila), Adraenus (Deraa) and Neapolis (Sheikh Saad) and Nevensis (Neve), led to the deterioration of the political and trading situation of this Place.
At the time of the Decapolis the Tell definitely represented only the Acropolis of the place, this was, as also to be taken from my remarks about the Dekapolis, this was also quite certainly in the area of ​​the Dekapolisregion "Gabe" after Plinius the same.
Despite its prominent position on the steep slopes and the remarkable waterfall, this tell also had to rely on water via an aqueduct. Only then could buildings lying here be supplied with running water. Gottlieb Schumacher describes the only provable evidence of this supply with an aqueduct channel coming from the north (Ain el jisr). In the immediate vicinity of the location are also the sources of Birket el Ashari (Ain el Ashari and Rouajdat) and the Ain Gzouli.
The fact that these sources fedded the Qanat Fir'aun can not be derived, either archaeologically or from a surveying point of view. Especially since in addition to the non-existing height connection, the need for such a route were definitely not given.
As the richest source (the high source / Ras el Ain) of the whole region it supplies the Bahret el Baddje in Muzeirib further south and this source lies in the immediate vicinity of the verified Qanat Fir'aun line. 

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the city area.

Capitolias, "lying on the hill top"

is still the name of the Jordanian city Beit Ras,and show with its theatre and the large water basin and cisterns it still shows the splendor of the Decapolis era.
Located at the end of the Wadi al Arab, over several thousand years, until modern times, it was an important junction of the ancient roads in this region. As individual locations and hill names suggest in the immediate vicinity, here was a resting place of the Persian and Arab merchants after the ascent from the Jordan Valley or after the last rest and Station near the present Muzeirib or Dera'a.
The left picture shows the remainder of the preserved large open water basin, which according to the masonry on one of the long sides should also have had connection to other cisterns and own water collection channels. The large walk-in cisterns described by Nelson Glück in the 1940s are garbed and almost impossible to find due to of new buildings. Most of them (ancient cisterns) have been converted into smaller "house cisterns" and are now closed with concrete.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the ancient city.

was one of the nabatean royal cities

Bostra, as the old name was, was the capital of roman Arabia province since AD 106. This province extended over the former southern and northern Nabataean kingdoms with Petra and Bostra as capitals from the Gulf of Aquaba to the mountains of Jebel el Druz in the area of ​​Batanaea to the northern Trachonitis (barren area of ​​volcanic streams) with clefts and caves south of Damascus. Later, the provinces were separated in Arabia and Palaestina Salutaris (Palaestina III).
Bosra is located at the foothills of the Jebel el Druz, with his further Names Hauran or Mons Alsadamus. The City has many ancient evidences within the old city center. Not only the restored theater, but also huge water reservoirs and antique shopping streets testify to the former wealth. Bostra was supplied by its own smaller aqueducts. In the north of the old City area lying the only dimly visible remains of the roman Legion fort of the Legio III Cyrenaica.
On the horizon behind the theater one recognizes one of the highest elevations of the Jebel el Druz the Tell el kleb.
Bostra became the archbishopric of the Arabia church region, whose circumference was from the north end of the Dead Sea in the south to the northern end of trachonitis in the north.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the city.

Today's Umm Queis lies directly on the eastern edge of Gadara

Situated on a mountain spur and surrounded by ridges, lies the Decapolis city of Gadara, looking westward over the Jordan Valley, to the striking mountain and monastery on the Tabor. To the southwest, on the easternmost tip of the Gilboa ridge, is the crusader castle of Belvoir. Towards the north, the yarmuk, the ancient Hieromykes, cuts deeply into the landscape, separating Gadara from the heights of the Golan,which rising up immediately on the other side of the river. In the river valley, 500 meters lower, are the baths Gadara (Hamat Gader) with its healing sulphurous thermal springs. These sources were already mentioned in the Bible, as was the area around Gadara, that of the Gadarenes.
(single carousel: gadara2.jpg, gadara3.jpg, gadara4.jpg)
This City forms the end of the Qanat Fir'aun and so here is not only an efficient irrigation infrastructure, but there are also a variety of cisterns, fountains, water distributor and at least one nymphaeum available.

Of the two theaters in Gadara is the smaller but much better preserved, the western Theatre. This provides a spectacular view at sunset, as the sun, of course, depending on the season almost goes down directly over the mountain Tabor, beyond the Jordan Valley in Israel (maybe the biblical place of the Sermon on the Mount).

To the northwest lies the Sea of ​​Galilee at the feet of Gadara, recognizable on the west bank of Tiberias and at the southern end El Kerak, the old Sennabris and the greek City ofPhiloteria. On the fields of Hattin lying behind the western ridge of the lakeshore, the crusaders was defeated by Saladin.(single carousel: gadara1.jpg, gadara5.jpg, gadara6.jpg, gadara7.jpg)

Here you can see the exact geolocation of Gadara.

Today's Dera'a bore many names

The old town center, which lies in a bend of the river Wadi ez Zedi on the southwest side of the river, has been differently named by many Civilisations over the millennia.

From the conquered cities of Egyptian pharaohs (Atara), to the hometown of the gigantic king Og (Edrei),the Adraha of the Decapolis, or the Adriath of the Crusader period up to todays Dera'a, the most southerly province capital of the syrian state, this place has kept its secrets.
Already G. Schumacher wrote of the as yet undiscovered "mausoleum", which was probably more of an overflow structure/Distribution Chamber of the large water basin "Birket Siknany". Likewise, only a few parts of the Roman theater and its surroundings are exposed.
The described "Underground City" from Wetzstein/Schumacher is now completely gone from the memory of the local residents. The city was contested at all times and is today the border town to Jordan. Here began the 2011 civil war in Syria.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the city.

This place right on the Syrian border

certainly counted the village of At Turra (the ancient Name is not known), as well as the ten cities to the privileged of the Decapolis. Located on one of the ancient main roads, this ancient location not only overlooks all of the valleys, or directly from south or north, but is strategically located between the ez-Zumle mountains to the east and the deep valleys to the west. A few years ago, Pharaon-era artefacts where found as spolia in a Building here, but these are believed to come from nearby Tell esh Shehab. Immediately beside this village comes the Qanat Fir'aun passing by from the north to west. The last remaining construction shaft is located directly on the eastern shore of Wadi Shomar, which in turn runs from Ramtha from the south west to At-Turra.

The main picture shows the view to the north with the border to syria in the foreground, behind it the Syrian Village of Abou el Qantara and in the background the snow-capped Hermon in the Antilibanon mountains.
Coming from Abou el Qantara, the aqueduct crossed the path at the border hall, crossing the left-hand side of the visible path.

Here you can see the exact geolocation of the modern village.