Beit Ras | Irbid

Beit Ras is an archaeological site located in the northern suburbs of Irbid, Jordan, encompassing the ruins of the ancient city of Capitolias. It is situated on a high ridge approximately 5 kilometers north of the Irbid city center, overlooking the northern plains and the Golan Heights.

Visual Characteristics

The site features extensive limestone and basalt masonry, including the remains of a Roman theater built into the northern hillside. Architectural elements consist of vaulted substructures, Corinthian capitals, and segments of a paved Roman street. Below the modern village levels, an elaborate system of rock-cut tombs and multi-level subterranean cisterns is carved directly into the white limestone bedrock.

Location & Access Logistics

The ruins are located within the modern town of Beit Ras, accessible via the Irbid-Hartha road. Visitors can reach the site by taking a local minibus from the Irbid North Bus Station or via private vehicle. Parking is available on the residential streets adjacent to the main archaeological excavations; the site is approximately 85 kilometers north of Amman.

Historical & Ecological Origin

Capitolias was founded in the late 1st century AD, likely during the reign of Emperor Nerva or Trajan, as a planned city of the Decapolis. It was established to serve as a strategic and commercial hub between Gadara and Arbila. The city is built on a geological formation of soft limestone, which allowed for the extensive carving of the city’s water infrastructure and necropolis.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can examine the excavated Roman theater and the remains of the Byzantine-era city walls. The "Beit Ras Tomb," discovered in 2016, features rare and detailed frescoes depicting the construction of the city and various mythological scenes. Exploration of the ancient vaulted cellars, which have been used continuously by local residents for centuries, is a primary activity.

Infrastructure & Amenities

The site is integrated into a modern residential area; there is no formal visitor center or gated entrance. Public restrooms and food vendors are available at local shops and bakeries within the town of Beit Ras. 4G and 5G cellular signals are excellent throughout the site. Shade is provided by modern buildings and a few scattered trees near the ruins.

Best Time to Visit

Optimal photography occurs during the late afternoon (16:00 to 17:30) when the sun illuminates the northern-facing theater. The winter and spring months (November to April) provide the most comfortable walking temperatures. The site is open to the public during daylight hours as part of an open-access archaeological zone.

Facts & Legends

The frescoes found in the Beit Ras Tomb contain over 60 inscriptions in Aramaic written in Greek characters, representing a unique linguistic bridge for the region. A local historical tip is that many of the modern houses in Beit Ras are built directly over Roman-era vaults, which are still used by inhabitants for storage and temperature control.

Nearby Landmarks

Irbid Archaeological Museum (5.2km South)

Tell Abila (12.0km North)

Yarmouk University (6.5km South)

Umm Qais (22.0km Northwest)