Umm el-Aras (The spelling varies, even the UNESCO-site itself has Um as well as Umm, and I have come ar- as well as -er) is a 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.
I here only show the pictures at the Saint Stephen church, it being so special. For a clear view of the area covered use the map view. But sometimes the gps drifted somewhat.
In another gallery I show the remaining pictures: some other churches, the stylite towers. If I find the time I will add captions.
As is my wont I took very many pictures, most of which I show, so they may repeat themselves somewhat. Better safe than sorry. I used different lenses, at some points taking the same pictures again but with a different lens. Almost all have been edited using Photoshop, using perspective control, colour adjustment, changing saturation and all that. I went for clarity. In some cases I show a picture “as shot” and after editing, indicating the latter with some letter.