Rajib 🇯🇴

Located in the Qweismeh area of the Greater Amman Municipality in northwest Jordan, the town of Al-Rajib (or simply Rajib) offers a fascinating journey into regional history. Best known for hosting the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, this historic site also features significant archaeological discoveries on the southern slope of a hill just east of the cave. As you explore the area, you will encounter three rock-cut family tombs uncovered during excavations.

These carefully planned tombs each contain a central chamber surrounded by burial niches, with features such as benches, spaces for sarcophagi, and blocked doorways showing that a local group reused them over time. In one tomb, archaeologists even discovered a rock-cut pit that may have held reburied remains. Excavations at Rajib revealed that these tombs were actively used between the 1st and 3rd centuries AD, featuring at least two main phases in one structure.

Discoveries made within these chambers include Herodian lamps alongside other lamp styles, glass items, pottery vessels, bronze ornaments, small metal pieces, and ancient coins, including issues of Philip the Arab. If you want to connect with ancient Jordan, visiting Rajib provides an authentic glimpse into early burial traditions and historical craftsmanship.

What to see at Rajib

• Famous location of the Cave of the Seven Sleepers in Greater Amman
• Three ancient rock-cut family tombs on a hillside east of the cave
• Tombs featuring central chambers, burial niches, benches, and sarcophagus spaces
• Archaeological finds including Herodian lamps, glass, pottery, and bronze ornaments
• Historical coins on site, including issues of Philip the Arab dating from 1st to 3rd centuries AD

Visiting tips

When visiting Al-Rajib, explore the hill east of the Cave of the Seven Sleepers to see where these ancient 1st to 3rd-century rock-cut family tombs were excavated.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Rajib is easy to reach on Amman’s public transport, and pairs naturally with King Abdullah I Mosque and Ayn Ghazal. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Amman travel guide.