Fortress of Madaba

To the east of the Dead Sea oasis rises Madaba - Old Testament fortress Moab (IX century BC) and an important center of Christianity in the Byzantine period. Until our times come down the remains of the tombs of the I century BC and the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine buildings, which can be viewed here in an organized archaeological park. However, the main attraction of Madaba - is the famous mosaic map of the VI century, discovered in 1884 on the floor of the early Christian church and then placed in the church of St. George. Surviving fragment sizes of 15.6 m mosaic depicts a map of the Holy Land from surrounding areas, as well as a plan of Jerusalem. Mosaic depicts in detail the Jordan River, the ships in the Red Sea, Building Jerusalem, Nablus, Kerak. Towns and villages are placed correctly and are represented as plans. In Kerak on the hill stands the Crusader castle of the XII century - Krakow - de - Moab. The mighty castle was built in 1142 Payen de Mili. It seemed that the fortress was non-criminal. In 1183 - 1184 years it was not just reflect the detachments attack Sala - din. Citadel surrendered only after a long siege in 1188. Until now, the ruins of the upper courtyard with a chapel destroyed the Crusaders and the dungeon, where he organized an archaeological museum.