[These photos were taken in 2011.]

Since the middle Bronze Age, Madaba has been home to the Israel and Moab kingdoms, the Roman and Byzantine empires, Christians and the Umayyad Caliphat. It’s in present-day Jordan, 30 kilometres south west of Amman, and still holds some spectacular relics, especially its Byzantine-era mosaic map of the Holy Land.

Jordan book recommendations: Lonely Planet Jordan, The Rough Guide to Jordan and Insight Guides Jordan.*

* The above links are to Amazon and are for your reference. I receive a small referral fee if you buy from Amazon. But I encourage you to buy books from any retailer, ideally your local bookstore!