Gadara was located in present-day Jordan, about 10 kilometers southeast of Lake Tiberias (also known as the ). It stood on a hill offering a panoramic view of the lake and the Jordan Valley. Gadara was part of the Decapolis, a league of ten influential cities in the region during the Hellenistic and Roman periods.
The modern town of Umm Qeis is built on the ruins of Gadara, and it is an important archaeological site that attracts many visitors interested in the history and culture of the region.
Gadara, now known as Umm Qeis, is an ancient Hellenistic city located in present-day Jordan, in the province of Irbid. Here are some interesting points about Gadara:
History: Founded by the Macedonians in the 4th century BC, Gadara was an important cultural center during the Hellenistic and Roman periods. It was part of the Decapolis, a league of ten semi-autonomous cities under Roman rule.
Geography: Gadara stood on a hill about 378 meters above sea level, overlooking the Yarmouk and the Golan Heights. The city was well defended and well supplied with water thanks to springs and cisterns.
Culture: It was one of the centers of Greek culture in the region and was the birthplace of several notable cultural figures, such as Menippus, Philodemus and Meleager.
Ruins: The ruins of Gadara are now located at Umm Qeis, a small modern town. The site is well preserved and offers a spectacular view of the surrounding area.
Bible: Gadara is mentioned in the Gospels as the place where Jesus the Messiah delivered the demon-possessed men of Gerasa (or Gadara).