Aqaba

(EZION GEBER -means: the Giant’s Backbone) is the modern port of AQABA and referenced in (Numbers 33:35); (Deuteronomy 2:8); (I1 Chronicles 8:17, 20:36). The Gulf of Aqaba was used by King Solomon for his import of Ophir gold (I Kings 9:26-29, 22:48); (I Chronicles 29:4); (Psalms 45:lO); (Isaiah 13:12).

The Greek name was Bernice, and the Roman name was Ailana. The Crusaders occupied the area and built the fort of Helim. The Islamic name was Ayla, and the Mamluke sultan Qansah AI-Ghowri (1500-1516) rebuilt the fort here. In the times of the Turks the site was moved and named Aqaba but dwindled in size. Lawrence of Arabia and his marauding Bedouins captured the fort from the Turks in August 1917.

This was the first victory of the Great Arab Revolt, which ventually led to the taking of Damascus. Today, it is the only port city of Jordan (port opened in 1960) and a popular beach resort.