Callirrhoe (Jordan)


Callirrhoe is an archaeological site in Jordan in which remains of a nymphaeum can be traced, though it is considered difficult to be interpreted. Callirrhoe is known in ancient literature for its thermal springs, because it was visited by King Herodes according to Josephus shortly before his death, as a final attempt to be cured or relief his pains. It remains unknown if the greatest builder in Jewish history is related to any of the observable remains in the area. Callirrhoe is referred by Pliny the Elder, Ptolemaeus and Solinus as well as in a Midrash.

Name

The Καλλιρόη means "beautiful brook or spring". The عين الزارة, Ayn az-Zara, for the site is sometimes derived from the root zar'a, "to sow" in view of the agricultural function of the oasis. More probable is its derivation from an original form al-Ayn az-Zahra, "the shining/beautiful spring", in which case the Arabic is a direct translation of the Greek.

Madaba Map

Callirrhoe is represented on Madaba Map. On the mosaic three constructions can be observed, a spring house, a nymphaeum, and a house. Springs' waters are gathered in basins, and two little palm trees are discerned representing the oasis or the fecundity of this area because of the abundant fresh water supply. Waters of the southern spring sprout from the mountain ending up in the sea.

Archaeological surveys

Callirrhoe is identified as the present day oasis Ayn az-Zara, or Ein ez Zara, laying at the eastern shore of Dead Sea, south of Wadi Zerka ma'in, in Jordan. It was founded circa 1st century BCE and excavations between 1985 and 1989 were directed by August Strobel on behalf of the Deutsches Evangelisches Institut für Altertumswissenschaft des Heiligen Landes.
A villa of the 1st century CE, uncovered in recent excavations, is considered to be inspired by the designs used by Herodes for his palaces. Callirrhoe functioned as harbor site for the mountain fortress of Machaerus. An ancient road of 8 km length connects the two sites.

Culture

Callirrhoe is included in the so-called bathing culture, known mainly at Indus Valley Civilization, Ancient Greece, Roman Empire, Middle East and Ottoman Empire, Indonesia and Japan for sanitation, therapy and purification purposes.