Caves of Iraq al-Amir

Ancient caves cut into the cliff, with Tobiad-era inscriptions

The caves at Iraq al-Amir are cut into the limestone cliff above the village and were in use long before Qasr al-Abd was built. They are a more intimate encounter with the ancient world than the reconstructed palace: rough hewn, immediately tangible, and with Aramaic inscriptions still visible in the stone. The name 'Tobiah' carved near one entrance is thought to be one of the oldest surviving inscriptions in Jordan.

The caves were used for storage, stabling, and possibly residence at various periods. The cliff setting, with the green Wadi Seer valley stretching below, makes for a good walk. You can combine the caves with the palace in a two-hour visit. The road down from the plateau passes a good view over the valley.

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A story
The caves were cut into the cliff long before the palace was built, likely during the Iron Age, and were later enlarged. Two of them bear what may be the oldest written inscriptions ever found in Jordan: the name 'Tobiah' carved in Aramaic script, probably from the 3rd or 2nd century BC. The same family that built the palace likely used the caves as storehouses and stables — one is large enough to have housed horses.

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