Dolmens of Al-Fayha | Madaba

Information

Landmark: Dolmens of Al-Fayha
City: Madaba
Country: Jordan
Continent: Asia

Dolmens of Al-Fayha, Madaba, Jordan, Asia

The Dolmens of Al-Fayha (also known as the Al-Fayha Megalithic Field) are a concentration of prehistoric stone structures located in the hills near the village of Al-Fayha, approximately 10 kilometers southwest of Madaba, Jordan. These megalithic monuments date to the Early Bronze Age (approximately 3500–3000 BC) and served as funerary chambers.

Visual Characteristics

The site features numerous "table-stone" structures consisting of large, upright slabs of unhewn local limestone supporting a massive horizontal capstone. Most dolmens are rectangular in plan, measuring roughly 2 to 3 meters in length. Many are surrounded by circular stone enclosures or "stone circles." Due to millennia of seismic activity and human interference, some structures are partially collapsed or tilted, while others remain structurally intact.

Location & Access Logistics

The field is situated on the slopes overlooking the Wadi Jadid, near the intersection of the roads leading to Mount Nebo and Mukawir. There is no formal visitor center or gated entrance; the dolmens are distributed across open, rocky terrain. Access requires a private 4WD vehicle or a hike from the main paved road. Navigation typically relies on GPS coordinates as there is no standardized signage.

Historical & Ecological Origin

These structures were built by semi-nomadic pastoralist societies during the transition from the Chalcolithic to the Early Bronze Age. They represent some of the earliest examples of monumental stone architecture in the Levant. Unlike the mosaics of Madaba, these sites were not for communal worship but for the burial of elite members of tribal groups, designed to be visible from a distance as territorial markers.

Key Highlights & Activities

The primary activity is independent exploration and photography of the various dolmen types, ranging from simple trilithons (three stones) to more complex multi-chambered structures. The site offers significant views of the surrounding highlands and the descent toward the Dead Sea. Visitors can observe "cup marks" (small circular depressions) carved into some of the capstones, which are believed to have held libations during ancient funerary rites.

Infrastructure & Amenities

There is no infrastructure at the site. No restrooms, water stations, or shaded areas are provided. 4G cellular signal is available due to the site's proximity to Madaba and Mount Nebo. Visitors must be self-sufficient and prepared for trekking over uneven, rocky ground.

Best Time to Visit

Late afternoon provides the most dramatic lighting for emphasizing the textures of the megalithic stones and the surrounding landscape. The site is open and accessible 24 hours a day. Spring (March–May) is the optimal season, as the hills are covered in seasonal wildflowers and temperatures remain temperate for hiking.

Facts & Legends

Local folklore once attributed these massive structures to a race of giants, as the weight of the capstones-often exceeding several tons-seemed impossible for ancient humans to lift. Archaeologists have since demonstrated that the builders likely utilized earthen ramps and rollers to slide the capstones into place atop the vertical supports.