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Throughout the long history of the land now known as Jordan, a defining characteristic has been the contrast between the ever changing cast of conquering cultures in the fertile and strategic Jordan Valley and the timeless existence of the Bedouin tribes of the remote eastern desert.
For centuries, the Jordan Valley was an active thoroughfare for merchants. Trade flourished and routes crisscrossed the known world between Mesopotamia and Egypt, Europe and Arabia, Asia and Africa.
No matter the destination, the way most often led through the Jordan Valley. Cities arose to supply the endless stream of caravans and grew splendid off the taxes levied for passage.
Petra, Amman and Jerash were such cities. Most of the great empires of western history laid claim to the area: Egyptian, Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Arabian and Ottom
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Each left its mark on the land and the culture.
Travelers to modern Jordan can visit sprawling ruins of Greco-Roman cities, Old and New Testament sites, remains from the earliest days of Christianity, the magnificent Nabatean city of Petra, imposing crusader castles and beautiful examples of Arab military architecture.
This diverse cultural heritage and complex history makes Jordan a wonderful destination for adventuresome and thoughtful travelers.
In the eastern desert, on the other hand, Bedouin life has changed little since the days of the biblical patriarchs. Wadi Rum, legendary stomping grounds of T.E. Lawrence, contains awesome, rugged landscapes and allows visitors a glimpse of the simplicity and dignity of Bedouin ways.
In addition to historical treasures, the people take pride in a great tradition of hospitality.
Visitors are received with sincere warmth and made to feel absolutely safe and welcome while modern facilities throughout the country provide state of the art convenience and comfort.
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