Shahba(Roman Philippopolis)
| Shahba was the Roman town of Philippopolis. As the birth-place of the Roman emperor Philip the Arab, it enjoyed a high status during his reign (244 - 249 AD) and continued to flourish thereafter. The standing remains include a part of the Roman road coming from the southern gate, next to which are the public baths. At the northern end of the road is a small but well preserved theatre, and a monument to Philip’s father, Martinus. Adjacent to this is an open paved space, sometimes interpreted as a debating or council area. | |
|
|
Shahba, mosaic pavement in house. (D. Mackenzie, 1911PEF/P/MACK NO.331) This photograph by Mackenzie shows one of the famous Shahba mosaics ‘in situ’, which are now in the museum at Suweida. |
