Ayn al-Zara

Ayn al-Zara
عين الزارة
Shown within Jordan
RegionEastern shore of Dead Sea, Jordan
Coordinates31°35′49.2″N 35°33′33.5″E / 31.597000°N 35.559306°E / 31.597000; 35.559306
Typenymphaeum thermae
History
Founded1st century BCE

Ayn al-Zara (Arabic: عين الزارة, romanized: ʿAyn al-Zʾāra), known in ancient times as Callirrhoe (Ancient Greek: Θερμὰ Καλλιρόης, Thermà Kallirhoēs), is an archaeological site in Jordan. It includes the remains of a nymphaeum, though it is considered difficult to be interpreted. Callirrhoe is known in ancient literature for its thermal springs, because it was visited by King Herod according to Josephus shortly before his death in 4 BCE, as a final attempt to be cured or relieve 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 (Natural History, 70-72), Ptolemaeus (Geography 15,6) and Solinus (De mirabilibus mundi 35,4) as well as in a Midrash.