- Your Gateway
- Our Legacy
- Signature Experiences
- Iconic Destinations
Top destinations
Want To Discover More Places?
- Imagery
- Start Planning
- Español
The Moabite Stone - A Voice from the Iron Age
Discover one of the most significant archaeological artifacts ever found in the Middle East. The Mesha Stele, often called the Moabite Stone, is a breathtakingly ancient inscription that provides a dramatic, firsthand account of history from the 9th century BC. This monumental stone is a crucial piece of evidence for understanding the kingdoms of ancient Jordan and their interactions with their neighbors, as told from the perspective of a Moabite king.
– Earliest Mention of Ancient Israel: The stele contains the earliest known extra-biblical reference to the Kingdom of Israel and its deity, Yahweh, making it invaluable to historians and archaeologists.
– A Rival’s Perspective: It offers the Moabite King Mesha’s version of events described in the Hebrew Bible (2 Kings 3), providing a unique “other side of the story” from a contemporary source.
– Linguistic Treasure: The lengthy inscription is a key example of the Moabite language, closely related to Hebrew, and is written in a Phoenician-derived script ancestral to today’s Hebrew and Arabic alphabets.
– Historical Record: It details King Mesha’s rebellion, military campaigns, and construction projects, offering a vivid picture of politics and society in the region during the Iron Age.
– The Original & Replicas: The original stele is housed in the Louvre Museum in Paris. However, a high-quality replica can be seen at the Jordan Museum in Amman, allowing visitors to examine its intricate details up close.
– The Inscription: The text consists of 34 lines, celebrating King Mesha’s victory over the Israelites and his dedication of captured objects to his god, Chemosh.
– Dhiban (Dibon): Visit the archaeological site of Dhiban, the ancient capital of Moab, where the stele was discovered. While the stele itself is gone, standing on the tel (ancient mound) connects you powerfully to its origins.
– 840 BC: Erected by King Mesha of Moab in the city of Dibon (modern Dhiban) to commemorate his victory over the Israelites.
– 1868 AD: Discovered by chance by a German missionary in Dhiban, causing great excitement in the academic world.
– 1870s: Unfortunately, the stele was shattered during a conflict between local Bedouin and Ottoman authorities. Most fragments were later recovered and pieced together.
– Present Day: The restored original is displayed in the Louvre, Paris. A replica is a star exhibit at The Jordan Museum in Amman.
– Location (to see a replica): The Jordan Museum, Downtown Amman. The discovery site is in Dhiban, approximately 70 km south of Amman.
– Recommended Duration at The Jordan Museum: Allow 20-30 minutes to study the replica and read the accompanying information. A visit to the Dhiban archaeological site itself can take about 1 hour.
– Best Time to Visit Dhiban: Spring (March-May) or Autumn (September-November) for pleasant weather. The site is exposed to little shade.
– Site Size: The stele itself is a basalt stone slab, standing about 1.15 meters (3.7 ft) tall and 60 cm (2 ft) wide. The archaeological tel of Dhiban is extensive, covering many hectares.
– See the Replica First: Visit The Jordan Museum to understand the stele’s importance before visiting the ancient mound of Dhiban.
– Hire a Guide for Dhiban: The site is largely unmarked. A knowledgeable guide is essential to understand its layout and connection to the stele’s story.
– Combine Your Trip: Dhiban is perfectly located to combine with visits to the majestic Karak Castle, Machaerus (where John the Baptist was imprisoned), and the Dead Sea.
– The Jordan Museum: Home to other incredible Jordanian artifacts like the Ain Ghazal statues (the oldest human statues ever found).
– Karak Castle: A massive Crusader-era fortress that dominates the town of Karak, offering a later chapter in Jordan’s strategic history.
– The King’s Highway: Drive one of the world’s oldest continuously used communication routes, connecting ancient sites like a string of pearls.
While the original stone is abroad, its story is deeply Jordanian. It is a powerful reminder that the lands of modern Jordan were home to powerful and sophisticated kingdoms long before the Romans and Nabataeans. It gives a voice to King Mesha and the Moabite people, placing them firmly on the map of history.
