Category:Iraq al-Amir (subject)

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Iraq al-Amir was the estate of the Tobiads in trans-Jordan.

Overview

The narrow fertile valley of Wadi Essair was the estate of the powerful Israelite family of the Tobiads.

Around 200 BCE, during the reign of Seleucus IV, the Tobiad Hyrcanus built a monumental palace, that is known as Qasr al-Abd (Palace of the Slave). The palace, which has a northern and southern entrance, is of two level and is adorned with protruding statues of eagles and lions. The ground level was used as storage and quarters for guards, however the top level was never completed. According to Josephus, Hyrcanus fortified himself inside his castle, fearing to be caught by King Antiochus IV of Syria, and ended his life having slew himself with his own sword in 175 BCE (Ant. 12:4:11).

Near the palace is the burial place of the Tobiads (Iraq El-Amir, or Cave of the Prince). It is a complex of eleven caves carved into the cliff face.

Iraq al-Amir in ancient sources

Iraq al-Amir in Scholarship

Excavations and restorations at Iraq al-Amir has been made in different times by P. Lapp (1963), E. Will, F. Larché, F. Zayadine e F. Villeneuve (1975-1986).

Iraq al-Amir in Fiction

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External links