One of the few Roman and Byzantine era structures still standing in the West Bank is Hisham Palace, a significant Islamic archaeological site.
Since there are no literary sources mentioning the Hisham Palace, which is close to the ancient city of Jericho, according to Ancient Organis, historians must almost entirely rely on the findings of various archaeological investigations.
Archaeologists found a thorn (a broken pottery with writings) during the first round of excavations in 1934 bearing the name of Hisham, and this was considered evidence that the palace was built during the reign of Hisham bin Abdul Malik, the tenth Umayyad caliph, who ruled between 724 and 743 AD The palace complex was referred to as such by historians of the twentieth century.
Palace Hisham in Wasatin (1)
Others, however, asserted that Al-Walid bin Yazid (Al-Walid II), the son of Hisham’s brother and the caliph from 743 AD until his killing in 744 AD, was the owner of the palace. Archaeological evidence points to the location that was constructed during the time of the Umayyad family in both instances. Al-Walid II is renowned for his opulent tastes and luxurious lifestyle.
The majority of desert palaces imitate the Roman fort and typically include a residential building, a restroom, a tank, and an agricultural area. Hisham Palace is what is referred to as the Desert Palace.
Palace Hisham in Wasatin (2)
Little is known about the palace’s past, and it is unclear at what point, in the case of neglect and subpar restoration, the site will collapse.
However, there is some evidence that the site was still in use in decades that followed the earthquake, and therefore archaeological examinations are currently being done in the area. A survey conducted in 2013 may have dated the site to 1033 AD.
Palace Hisham in Wasatin (3)
Palace Hisham in Wasatin (4)
The 60 hectares (150 acres) that make up Hisham Palace are divided into three sections: the palace itself, a mosque and a courtyard, and a bath.
A room for the throne was employed as an audience hall in the toilet, which was quite remarkable. There is an exterior wall enclosing the area. On the southern interface was the main gate. Two pillars encircled the gate on either side.
The Hammamet Complex features some of the oldest and largest mosaic panels from the classic era of Islamic architecture. The most famous painting depicted a lion attacking a deer under a tree.
Islamic art historians have made reference to the restroom frequently.
The Umayyad state’s wealth and power are evident in Hisham Palace. In his day, everyone entering the palace would have praised his opulence. Unfortunately, because there is no written record of this remarkable structure, there is still a lot we do not know about it. We hope to give us more excavations in the region additional information and insight into this part of the ancient world..
A look into Islamic architectural history. All you want to know about Hisham Palace in Wasatin
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