Explore All Early Islamic Sites By Type and Country
This page lists sites associated with the early Islamic period, reflecting the expansion of Islamic rule across the eastern Mediterranean, Near East, Spain and North Africa from the seventh century onward. Many entries represent cities and settlements inherited from Late Roman and Byzantine contexts, where early Islamic phases coexist with earlier architectural and urban remains.
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The Castle of Almonacid stands as a testament to the region's layered history, serving various roles from a Muslim fortress to a Christian stronghold and noble residence, reflecting its strategic and…
The Castle of Silves is a historic fortress that reflects the diverse cultural influences and strategic importance of Silves throughout centuries, from ancient times through the medieval period and b…
The Coruña del Conde Bridge is an enduring Roman structure that has served as a crossing over the Arandilla River, connecting historic routes and showing centuries of use and repair.
Fort Kelibia, located on Tunisia's Cap Bon headland, has served as a strategic military and religious site from ancient Greek times through Ottoman rule, reflecting a rich history of cultural and def…
Hama Castle, perched on a tell by the Orontes River, reflects a long history of strategic importance from the Seleucid era through the medieval period, witnessing diverse rulers and cultural influenc…
Lixus is an archaeological site that reveals a long history of occupation from the Late Bronze Age through Phoenician, Punic, Mauretanian, Roman, and Islamic periods, illustrating its role as a marit…
Markuh Castle, located in Ramsar, Iran, offers a glimpse into early Islamic military architecture and the strategic history of the region, reflecting centuries of evolving defense and resource manage…
The Roman Bridge over the Ribeira de Odivelas near Vila Ruiva, Portugal, showcases a long history of construction and repair from Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present, reflecting its en…
The Castillo de Jódar is a medieval fortress that reflects the layered history of Jódar, from its Islamic origins through Christian rule to modern restoration efforts.
The Castle and Mount of Santa Bárbara in Tudela, Spain, offers a glimpse into centuries of history, from its origins as a Muslim fortress to its transformation into a medieval castle and royal palace…
The Castle of Arnedo is a historic fortress built atop Roman foundations and shaped by centuries of military and political events, reflecting the layered history of the region.
The Castle of Jadraque stands as a testament to centuries of history, reflecting its evolution from an Andalusian fortress to a Renaissance palace-fortress and its role in regional defense and noble …
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Showing 1–66 of 66 sites
| Title | Country | Type | Rating | Popularity | Excerpt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosra: An Ancient Nabatean and Roman City in Southern Syria | Syria | City | 4.9 | Very Low | Bosra, located in southern Syria, showcases a rich history from its Nabatean origins to its role as a Roman provincial capital and later as a strategic medieval fortress. Its well-preserved Roman the… |
| Castillo de Almodóvar del Río: A Historic Fortress in Córdoba, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.8 | High | The Castillo de Almodóvar del Río is a historic fortress perched on El Redondo hill, reflecting layers of Roman, Islamic, and medieval Spanish history. It offers insight into the region's strategic m… |
| Dougga: An Ancient City Reflecting Numidian, Roman, and Byzantine Heritage in Tunisia | Tunisia | City | 4.8 | Medium | Dougga is a well-preserved archaeological site in Tunisia that showcases a rich history from Numidian origins through Roman prosperity to Byzantine and early Islamic periods. Its diverse monuments an… |
| Ammaedara: An Archaeological Site Reflecting Roman and Byzantine Heritage in Tunisia | Tunisia | City | 4.7 | Very Low | Ammaedara offers insight into the evolution of a Roman military base into a thriving urban center that persisted through Byzantine times before its decline in the early Islamic period. Its remains re… |
| As-Suwayda National Museum | Syria | Museum | 4.7 | Very Low | The As-Suwayda National Museum showcases artifacts from the region of southern Syria, reflecting a rich history from Nabataean to Islamic periods. |
| Baalbek Roman Ruins: A Major City and Sanctuary in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley | Lebanon | City | 4.7 | Medium | Baalbek's Roman Ruins represent a monumental religious complex and large city reflecting millennia of cultural and political history, showcasing advanced Roman engineering and religious syncretism in… |
| Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park: A Historical and Archaeological Site in Israel | Israel | City | 4.7 | Medium | Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park preserves a rich archaeological landscape reflecting diverse cultural influences from the Iron Age through the Crusader period, showcasing extensive subterranean cav… |
| Beit She’an National Park: A Historic Crossroads in Northern Israel | Israel | City | 4.7 | Medium | Beit She’an National Park preserves a rich archaeological record of continuous settlement from the Early Bronze Age through the early Islamic period, illustrating its role as a strategic urban center… |
| Castle of Monfragüe: A Historic Fortress in Torrejón el Rubio, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.7 | Medium | The Castle of Monfragüe stands as a testament to centuries of military and religious history, reflecting the diverse cultures that shaped its strategic hilltop location overlooking the Tagus River. |
| Roman Bridge of Córdoba: A Historic Crossing in Andalusia, Spain | Spain | Infrastructure | 4.7 | Very High | The Roman Bridge of Córdoba has served as a link across the Guadalquivir River since Roman times, reflecting layers of history from ancient engineering to medieval fortifications. |
| Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: A Historic Fortress in Córdoba, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.6 | Medium | The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba offers a glimpse into centuries of history, from Roman military origins to medieval palatial and inquisitorial uses, reflecting the diverse cultural inf… |
| Caesarea National Park: An Archaeological Site in Israel | Israel | City | 4.6 | Very High | Caesarea National Park preserves the remains of Caesarea Maritima, a major ancient port city founded by Herod the Great. The site illustrates a rich history from Phoenician origins through Roman, Byz… |
| Caesarea Philippi: An Ancient Religious and Administrative Center at Banias | Israel | City | 4.6 | Very Low | Caesarea Philippi, located at the Banias spring near Mount Hermon, served as a religious sanctuary and city. It was inhabited from the Iron Age through the medieval period, reflecting diverse cultura… |
| Castillo de Arenas: A Medieval Fortress in Campillo de Arenas, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.6 | Very Low | Castillo de Arenas is a medieval fortress that played a key role in controlling mountain passes between Granada and Jaén, reflecting a complex history of Muslim and Christian rule. |
| Castle of Jimena de la Frontera: A Historic Fortress in Southern Spain | Spain | Military | 4.6 | Medium | The Castle of Jimena de la Frontera offers a glimpse into centuries of military and cultural history, standing as a testament to the region's layered past from Moorish rule to Christian conquest. |
| Castle of the Moors, Sintra: A Historic Fortress in Portugal | Portugal | Military | 4.6 | Very High | The Castle of the Moors in Sintra is a medieval fortress built by the Moors to protect fertile lands and later adapted by Portuguese kings. It reflects a layered history of military, religious, and c… |
| Château de Gourdon: A Historic Fortress in France | France | Military | 4.6 | Medium | The Château de Gourdon stands as a testament to centuries of history, reflecting its evolution from a 9th-century Saracen fortress to a refined 17th-century residence, embodying the layered heritage … |
| Izadkhast Castle: A Historic Fortified Settlement in Iran | Iran | Military | 4.6 | Low | Izadkhast Castle served as a fortified settlement along the ancient Silk Road, reflecting centuries of military, residential, and religious use from the Sasanian Empire through the Qajar period. |
| Jerash: An Ancient City in Jordan with Extensive Greco-Roman and Byzantine Heritage | Jordan | City | 4.6 | Very High | Jerash is a well-preserved archaeological site in northern Jordan, showcasing continuous human occupation from prehistoric times through the Umayyad period. It features monumental Roman urban plannin… |
| Roman Temple of Hercules at Amman Citadel: A Historic Site in Jordan | Jordan | Religious | 4.6 | Medium | The Roman Temple of Hercules at Amman Citadel offers a glimpse into the diverse civilizations that have shaped Amman, reflecting layers of history from the Neolithic period through Roman times and be… |
| Sepphoris: A Historical City in the Galilee of Northern Israel | Israel | City | 4.6 | Medium | Sepphoris played a central role as a regional center from the Hellenistic through Ottoman periods, reflecting diverse cultural, religious, and political influences. Its strategic location and rich ar… |
| Alcazaba of Mérida: A Historic Fortress in Spain | Spain | Military | 4.5 | Medium | The Alcazaba of Mérida is a medieval fortress that has served military, religious, and civic roles over centuries, reflecting the city's layered history and cultural heritage. |
| Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos: A Historic Fortress in Córdoba, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.5 | Very High | The Alcázar de los Reyes Cristianos in Córdoba showcases layers of history from Roman fortifications to medieval royal residence and Inquisition site, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural heritage. |
| Ashdod-Sea Fortress: A Historic Coastal Defense in Israel | Israel | Military | 4.5 | Medium | Ashdod-Sea Fortress served as a key coastal defense and communication point from the 7th century through the Crusader period, reflecting the region's layered military history. |
| Castle of Gibralfaro: A Historic Fortress in Málaga, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.5 | High | The Castle of Gibralfaro is a historic fortress in Málaga, Spain, known for its strategic location and rich history spanning from Phoenician times through the Nasrid dynasty and the Catholic Monarchs… |
| Chellah (Sala Colonia): Phoenician–Roman city and Marinid necropolis in Rabat, Morocco | Morocco | City | 4.5 | Medium | Layered Phoenician, Mauretanian, Roman, and Marinid remains on the Bou Regreg in Rabat, with a Roman municipium and a later royal necropolis enclosed by 14th‑century walls. |
| Citadel of Homs: An Ancient Fortress in Syria | Syria | Military | 4.5 | Low | The Citadel of Homs is a historic fortress with roots dating back to the 3rd millennium BCE, reflecting centuries of military, cultural, and religious developments in the region. |
| Hippo Regius: A Historic Mediterranean Port and Episcopal Center in Algeria | Algeria | Burial, City | 4.5 | Low | Hippo Regius, located near modern Annaba, Algeria, was a significant Phoenician, Roman, and early Christian city known for its strategic coastal position and as the episcopal seat of Saint Augustine. |
| Leptis Magna: An Ancient Mediterranean Port City in Libya | Libya | City | 4.5 | Medium | Leptis Magna was a major Mediterranean port city with continuous occupation from the Phoenician-Punic period through Roman, Vandal, Byzantine, and early Islamic phases. Its strategic location and imp… |
| Qasr Burqu’: An Umayyad Desert Palace and Historical Site in Jordan | Jordan | Military | 4.5 | Very Low | Qasr Burqu' offers a glimpse into a landscape shaped by prehistoric communities, Roman military presence, Umayyad desert palaces, and Bedouin pastoral traditions, reflecting a rich and varied history. |
| Sergiopolis (Resafa): A Historic Desert Fortress and Pilgrimage Site in Syria | Syria | City | 4.5 | Very Low | Sergiopolis, originally Resafa, served as a strategic military outpost and later a religious center dedicated to Saint Sergius. Its well-preserved walls, churches, and Umayyad palaces reveal a rich h… |
| Susa: An Ancient City Bridging Mesopotamia and Iran | Iran | City | 4.5 | Low | Susa, located in southwestern Iran, served as a cultural and political center for Elamite and Persian empires, linking diverse civilizations over millennia. |
| Tower of Paterna: A Historic Defensive Structure in Spain | Spain | Military | 4.5 | Low | The Tower of Paterna is a historic fortification originally built by the Muslim civilization and later transformed after the Christian conquest. It offers insight into the region's defensive architec… |
| Umm Qays: An Archaeological Site in Jordan Reflecting Ancient and Ottoman Heritage | Jordan | City | 4.5 | Medium | Umm Qays offers a glimpse into a layered history from its Hellenistic origins through Roman, Islamic, and Ottoman periods, showcasing a continuous human presence and cultural evolution. |
| Volubilis: An Ancient Roman Municipium and Historical Site in Morocco | Morocco | City | 4.5 | Medium | Volubilis offers a rich historical record of cultural and political transformations in northern Morocco, showcasing urban development from Berber origins through Roman and Islamic periods. Its well-p… |
| Apameia: An Ancient City in Syria with Rich Historical and Archaeological Heritage | Syria | City | 4.4 | Very Low | Apameia, located in modern Syria, was a prominent military and economic center from the Seleucid through Byzantine periods, known for its impressive urban layout and cultural landmarks. |
| Castle of Almonacid: A Historic Fortress in Toledo, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.4 | Low | The Castle of Almonacid stands as a testament to the region's layered history, serving various roles from a Muslim fortress to a Christian stronghold and noble residence, reflecting its strategic and… |
| Castle of Silves: A Historic Fortress in Algarve, Portugal | Portugal | Military | 4.4 | High | The Castle of Silves is a historic fortress that reflects the diverse cultural influences and strategic importance of Silves throughout centuries, from ancient times through the medieval period and b… |
| Coruña del Conde Bridge: A Roman Bridge in Burgos, Spain | Spain | Infrastructure | 4.4 | Very Low | The Coruña del Conde Bridge is an enduring Roman structure that has served as a crossing over the Arandilla River, connecting historic routes and showing centuries of use and repair. |
| Fort Kelibia: A Historic Coastal Fortress in Tunisia | Tunisia | Military | 4.4 | Low | Fort Kelibia, located on Tunisia's Cap Bon headland, has served as a strategic military and religious site from ancient Greek times through Ottoman rule, reflecting a rich history of cultural and def… |
| Hama Castle: A Historic Fortress in Syria | Syria | Military | 4.4 | Low | Hama Castle, perched on a tell by the Orontes River, reflects a long history of strategic importance from the Seleucid era through the medieval period, witnessing diverse rulers and cultural influenc… |
| Lixus: An Ancient Maritime and Commercial Center in Northern Morocco | Morocco | City | 4.4 | Low | Lixus is an archaeological site that reveals a long history of occupation from the Late Bronze Age through Phoenician, Punic, Mauretanian, Roman, and Islamic periods, illustrating its role as a marit… |
| Markuh Castle: A Post-Islamic Fortress in Iran | Iran | Military | 4.4 | Low | Markuh Castle, located in Ramsar, Iran, offers a glimpse into early Islamic military architecture and the strategic history of the region, reflecting centuries of evolving defense and resource manage… |
| Roman Bridge over the Ribeira de Odivelas: A Historic Structure in Portugal | Portugal | Infrastructure | 4.4 | Very Low | The Roman Bridge over the Ribeira de Odivelas near Vila Ruiva, Portugal, showcases a long history of construction and repair from Roman times through the Middle Ages to the present, reflecting its en… |
| Castillo de Jódar: A Historic Fortress in Jódar, Spain | Spain | Military | 4.3 | Low | The Castillo de Jódar is a medieval fortress that reflects the layered history of Jódar, from its Islamic origins through Christian rule to modern restoration efforts. |
| Castle and Mount of Santa Bárbara, Tudela: A Historic Fortress in Spain | Spain | Military | 4.3 | Very Low | The Castle and Mount of Santa Bárbara in Tudela, Spain, offers a glimpse into centuries of history, from its origins as a Muslim fortress to its transformation into a medieval castle and royal palace… |
| Castle of Arnedo: A Historic Fortress in Spain | Spain | Military | 4.3 | Low | The Castle of Arnedo is a historic fortress built atop Roman foundations and shaped by centuries of military and political events, reflecting the layered history of the region. |
| Castle of Jadraque: A Historic Fortress in Spain | Spain | Military | 4.3 | Low | The Castle of Jadraque stands as a testament to centuries of history, reflecting its evolution from an Andalusian fortress to a Renaissance palace-fortress and its role in regional defense and noble … |
| Lambsar Castle: A Historic Fortress in Razmian, Iran | Iran | Military | 4.3 | Low | Lambsar Castle, rooted in the Sasanian era and later fortified by the Nizārī Ismā'īlīs, served as a key defensive stronghold in medieval Iran, known for its resilience during the Mongol invasions. |
| Museum of History and Civilizations, Rabat | Morocco | Museum | 4.3 | Low | The Museum of History and Civilizations in Rabat showcases a wide range of archaeological artifacts from Morocco's diverse historical periods, offering insight into the country's rich cultural past. |
| Qasr Kharana: An Umayyad Desert Castle in Jordan | Jordan | Civic | 4.3 | Medium | Qasr Kharana is an early 8th-century desert castle near Amman, Jordan, illustrating the architectural and cultural landscape of the Umayyad period and serving as a gathering place for Bedouin leaders. |
| Umm ar-Rasas: A Roman and Byzantine Fortress in Jordan | Jordan | City | 4.3 | Medium | Umm ar-Rasas is a historic site in Jordan showcasing a Roman military camp turned Byzantine Christian settlement, known for its mosaics and architectural remains. |
| Cafarlet Fortress: A Historic Coastal Stronghold in HaBonim, Israel | Israel | Military | 4.2 | Very Low | Cafarlet is a coastal fortress with origins in the early Muslim period, later shaped by Crusader and Mamluk influences, reflecting the layered history of the Levantine coast. |
| Castello Arabo Normanno: A Historic Fortress in Castellammare del Golfo, Italy | Italy | Military | 4.2 | Low | The Castello Arabo Normanno is a coastal fortress with a rich history spanning Arab, Norman, Swabian, and later periods, now housing a museum that explores the Mediterranean's cultural heritage. |
| Castle of Alenquer: A Historic Fortress in Portugal | Portugal | Military | 4.2 | Low | The Castle of Alenquer stands as a testament to Portugal's layered history, from its origins as a Muslim fortress to its role in medieval defense and royal residence, reflecting centuries of cultural… |
| Cerro da Vila: A Roman and Later Settlement in Algarve, Portugal | Portugal | Domestic | 4.2 | Low | Cerro da Vila offers a glimpse into a rural settlement that evolved through Roman, Visigothic, and Islamic periods, reflecting its role in agriculture, trade, and local industry along the Algarve coa… |
| Pella: An Ancient City in Jordan with a Rich Historical Legacy | Jordan | City | 4.2 | Low | Pella, located in northwest Jordan, offers a unique glimpse into continuous human settlement from the Neolithic era through the Islamic period, showcasing diverse cultural and architectural developme… |
| Qasr Bshir: A Roman Frontier Fort in Jordan | Jordan | Military | 4.2 | Very Low | Qasr Bshir is a well-preserved Roman fort near Al-Qatrana, Jordan, built in the late 3rd century CE to protect the empire's southeastern borders. It later served as a caravanserai before its final ab… |
| Qasr Tuba: An Early Islamic Desert Castle in Jordan | Jordan | Military | 4.2 | Very Low | Qasr Tuba is an early Islamic desert castle built by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century, serving as a seasonal retreat and caravanserai in Jordan's desert landscape. |
| Roman Circus of Toledo: An Ancient Entertainment Venue in Spain | Spain | Entertainment | 4.2 | Medium | The Roman Circus of Toledo was constructred in the 1st century AD. The circus was situated outside the northern walls of Toletum, following a common pattern in Roman urban planning for such structure… |
| Rashkan Castle: A Parthian Fortress in Rey, Iran | Iran | Military | 4.1 | Very Low | Rashkan Castle, perched on Kuh-e Safaije mountain, offers a glimpse into Iran's layered history from the Parthian era through the Timurid period, reflecting its evolving strategic and cultural roles. |
| Qasr Mshatta: An Umayyad Desert Palace in Jordan | Jordan | Domestic | 4 | Low | Qasr Mshatta is an early Islamic palace near Amman, Jordan, reflecting Umayyad architectural innovation and cultural blending during the 8th century CE. |
| Castle of Huete: A Historic Fortress in Spain | Spain | Military | 3.9 | Very Low | The Castle of Huete reflects a rich history from Bronze Age settlements to medieval fortifications, illustrating the region's evolving cultural and military landscape. |
| Hammam al-Sarah: An Umayyad Bathhouse Near Qasr al-Hallabat in Jordan | Jordan | Sanitation | 3.9 | Low | Hammam al-Sarah is an early 8th-century Umayyad bathhouse that formed part of the desert castle complex near Qasr al-Hallabat, showcasing early Islamic architecture and water engineering. |
| Cherchell Roman Ruins: A Strategic Coastal City with Phoenician, Mauretanian, and Roman Heritage | Algeria | Burial, City | 2.9 | Very Low | The Cherchell Roman Ruins represent a historically significant site on Algeria’s Mediterranean coast, reflecting a rich sequence of occupation from Phoenician origins through Roman provincial promine… |
| Proserpina Dam: A Roman Hydraulic Structure near Mérida, Spain | Spain | Infrastructure | 0 | Very Low | The Proserpina Dam is an ancient Roman dam that has served the Mérida region for centuries, showcasing a blend of Roman engineering and later adaptations for irrigation and local use. |