Geography and Location

Jordan is a Middle Eastern country bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and east, Iraq to the northeast, Syria to the north, Israel and Palestine to the west, and the Red Sea to the southwest. The country is predominantly arid desert, but it also features the fertile Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, the lowest point on Earth.

History

Jordan has a rich history that spans several millennia:

1. Ancient Period: The region has been inhabited since the Paleolithic period. It was part of various ancient kingdoms such as Edom, Moab, and Ammon.
2. Classical Antiquity: Jordan was incorporated into the Nabataean Kingdom, with Petra as its capital, known for its rock-cut architecture. Later, it became part of the Roman Empire and the Byzantine Empire, leaving behind numerous archaeological sites.
3. Islamic Conquest: In the 7th century, Jordan was conquered by Arab Muslim armies and became part of the Umayyad and later the Abbasid Caliphates.
4. Ottoman Era: From the early 16th century until World War I, Jordan was part of the Ottoman Empire.
5. British Mandate and Independence: After World War I, the area became part of the British Mandate of Palestine. In 1921, the Emirate of Transjordan was established under British oversight, gaining full independence in 1946 as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.