Anfashieh Inscriptions | Wadi Rum

Information

Landmark: Anfashieh Inscriptions
City: Wadi Rum
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Anfashieh Inscriptions, Wadi Rum, Jordan, Asia

The Anfishiyyeh Inscriptions are a dense collection of ancient petroglyphs and scripts located on a vertical rock face of the Jebel Anfishiyyeh massif. This site represents one of the most comprehensive open-air galleries of Nabataean and Thamudic art within the Wadi Rum Protected Area.

Visual Characteristics

The inscriptions are carved into a flat, protected section of a red sandstone cliff. They depict a variety of desert life and transit scenes, including large-scale camels, ibex, and human figures carrying bows and spears. The carvings vary in depth and weathering, with some appearing sharp and light against the darker oxidized rock, while others are heavily patinated. The panel extends several meters horizontally across the mountain base at eye level.

Location & Access Logistics

The site is situated approximately 9km south of the Wadi Rum Visitor Center. Access is restricted to 4x4 desert vehicles, camels, or trekking; the area is characterized by deep sand tracks impassable to standard cars. Most organized jeep tours include this site as a primary stop between the Red Sand Dunes and Lawrence’s House. There is no paved infrastructure; vehicles park directly on the sand in front of the rock face.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The inscriptions span several millennia, primarily dating from the Thamudic (8th century BC) and Nabataean (1st century BC – 1st century AD) periods. These carvings served as a "guestbook" and informational signage for ancient caravans, marking water sources, tribal boundaries, and religious dedications. The rock face provides natural shelter from the prevailing winds, which has contributed to the preservation of the carvings.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is the observation and photography of the petroglyphs. Interpretive guides often point out the "Camel Caravan" panel, which shows a string of pack animals in profile. Visitors can walk along the base of the cliff to identify different scripts, including early Arabic (Kufic) additions. The site is frequently used by educators to demonstrate the evolution of written language in the Arabian Peninsula.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no modern infrastructure at the site. No restrooms, paved paths, or visitor centers exist. Limited shade is provided by the mountain's overhang during the morning hours. 4G cellular signal is weak and inconsistent. All necessary supplies, including water, must be carried from the Wadi Rum Visitor Center or Rum Village.

Best Time to Visit

Late morning and early afternoon provide the most direct light on the inscriptions, which is optimal for seeing the shallower carvings. The cooler months of October through April are most comfortable for exploration. During summer, the rock face radiates heat, making early morning visits preferable.

Facts & Legends

Local Bedouin tradition suggests that the inscriptions were used as a mnemonic device for desert navigators, where specific animal carvings pointed toward hidden water sources. An archaeological detail of note is the presence of "Wusum" (tribal marks) overlaid on older Nabataean carvings, showing the continuous use of the site by Bedouin tribes up to the modern era.