Past Watch Site

The ancient city of Bosra rose to preeminence in the first century A.D. when it superceded Petra as the capital of the Nabataeans. Its importance was further enhanced when it became the capital of the newly founded Provincia Arabia, following the Roman conquest of the fertile region of Hauran in A.D. 106. The glorious past of this ancient city is evident in its abundant archaeological remains, which rival those of Jerash, Palmyra, and Apamea. Among its most important remains are a magnificent second-century Roman theater, several early Christian churches, and a number of early mosques within its walls.

For all of Bosra’s cultural importance, it has not been afforded the protection it needs. The site has suffered from vandalism and neglect, and there are, at present, no comprehensive plans for its preservation. Financial and technical resources are sorely needed for the development and implementation of a conservation master plan for this classical wonder. The ancient city of Bosra was inscribed on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 1980.

Last update: 2004