Capitolias

Capitolias
Καπιτωλιας
Capitolias, 2004
Capitolias is located in Jordan
Capitolias
Shown within Jordan
Alternative nameBayt Ras
LocationIrbid Governorate, Jordan
RegionMiddle East
Coordinates32°35′55″N 35°51′30″E / 32.59861°N 35.85833°E / 32.59861; 35.85833
TypeSettlement
History
Founded97/98 CE
Site notes
ConditionIn ruins

Capitolias (Ancient Greek: Καπιτωλιάς, romanizedKapitolias) was an ancient city east of the Jordan River, and is identified with the modern village of Beit Ras in the Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan.[1][2][3] Anciently it was a town of Coele-Syria.[4]

The Peutinger Table placed it between Gadara and Adraha (Daraa), 16 miles from each, and the Antonine Itinerary put it at 36 miles from Neve (Nawa, Syria).[3][5]

The Arabic name, Beit Ras, preserves the Aramaic name, Bet Reisha, mentioned in the 6th-century Talmud.[1][3][5]

Unfortunately, not very many ruins are left behind of the city of Capitolias. However, the main archaeological site remaining is a theatre structure.

  1. ^ a b C.J. Lenzen, E.A. Knauf, "Capitolias: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Archaeological and Textual Evidence" in Syria, Year 1987, Issue 64–1–2, pp. 21–46
  2. ^ Lenzen, C. J.; Knauf, E. A. (1987). "Beit Ras/Capitolias: A Preliminary Evaluation of the Archaeological and Textual Evidence". Syria. 64 (1/2): 21–46. doi:10.3406/syria.1987.7002. JSTOR 4198595. (same text, not free)
  3. ^ a b c The Princeton Encyclopedia of Classical Sites: "Capitolias (Beit Ras) Jordan"
  4. ^ Public Domain Smith, William, ed. (1854–1857). "Capitolias". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Geography. London: John Murray.
  5. ^ a b Jewish Virtual Library: "Capitolias"