According to the Old Testament the Moabite city of Madaba was one of those conquered by the tribes of Israel. After changing hands several times it flourished under Roman dominion and by the 4th century AD it had become an important centre of Christianity with its own bishop. The town weathered invasions by the Persians and Muslims but declined under the Mamelukes and was completely abandoned during the 16th century. It was not reoccupied until the late 19th century.

The main attraction is the fabulous mosaic map housed in St George’s Church  in the town centre, but there is also an Archaeological Park  encompassing the remains of several more 6th-century churches, all with impressive mosaics, including one depicting scenes from the legend of Adonis and Aphrodite. The Church of the Apostles  on the southern edge of town has a mosaic depicting the sea goddess Thetis surrounded by fish and sea monsters.