Roman port on the Dead Sea near Jericho unearthed

Roman port on Dead Sea eastern shores unearthed

[31/01/2009 12:52]

Salt, Jan.31 (Petra)-A Roman port on the eastern shore of the Dead Sea was discovered through archaeological excavations in Al Zara area south of Sweimeh village, according to Saad Al Hadidi, director of the Department of Antiquities in Salt. Hadidi told Petra that the discovered port is linked with Rujm el-Bahr near Jericho on the western side of the Dead Sea. A number of walls for nearby buildings, believed to have been used for storing goods and repairing boats, were also discovered, he added. Another huge building which includes residential rooms and a rectangular pool were also digged out. It is believed that the pool was built during the Roman age, and remained in use until the Byzantine period, which means the area was prosperous during these two historical periods. Al Zara area is famous for its hot springs, which gave it a therapeutic reputation since ancient times. Al Zara appeared on the Madaba mosaic map in three pools surrounded by palm trees and it was called Al Zara which means beautiful springs, Hadidi said. //Petra//S. K / M. N .

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