BSY_FB_29-45-b

45

V
Umm il-Ḳuṭṭên. This is, by far, the largest of the
ruined towns of the southern Haurân. The
ruins are definately marked as if by a circuit
wall, and extend a long distance N. and S.
There are two separate divisions of the town
separated by a depression 50 m. wide; the
northern half is the smaller. There are a few
detatched buildings to the South. In place of
the narrow streets and cramped lanes common
in the majority of these deserted towns we have here
broader streets, quite straight for considerable
distances, and large open spaces. There are
no remains of classic architecture, and none that
are earlier than the 4th century, though there are
a number of Nabataean inscr. here. There are
5 churches, large and small, and no less than 4
houses with towers, two of which are built of dressed
stone and have good mouldings at the top.
These are well built versions of several forms
and a monumental tomb of good style.
There are few stone doors in the ruins.

Birkeh at N.E.
62m. x 57m.
and 5.m. deep