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Capitolias

Archaeological Site

Roman-era town near Beit Ras in Irbid Governorate with a theatre, baths and basalt-built structures; visitors come for archaeological ruins and regional history.

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In this guide

Capitolias essentials

Address: Capitolias (Beit Ras archaeological site), near Irbid Governorate, Jordan
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About Capitolias

Capitolias is a Roman-period city site in northern Jordan near the modern village of Beit Ras in Irbid Governorate, founded in the Hellenistic-Roman era and known for its well-preserved urban remains.

The city was established in the Hellenistic-Roman period and later developed under Roman administration; it is commonly listed among the cities connected to the Decapolis cultural network. Over the Byzantine and early Islamic periods the urban footprint contracted and many structures fell into ruin before modern archaeological work began to document and expose them.

The site sits immediately beside the village of Beit Ras in Irbid Governorate in northern Jordan, within the wider agricultural landscape north of the city of Irbid and north of the Sea of Galilee basin.

  • Photography tip: Best light for photos is in the late afternoon when the low sun casts the excavated colonnades and masonry in warm tones.
  • Visitor practicalities: Some areas are on open ground with limited shade and no extensive visitor facilities, so bring water and sun protection.

What to See#

  • Site areas: Archaeological remains include a theatre, a colonnaded main street (cardo), public baths and domestic mosaic floors uncovered during excavations.
  • Access point: The modern village of Beit Ras sits adjacent to the ruins and is the usual access point for visitors.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Capitolias

The best time to visit Capitolias is in spring or autumn when temperatures are mild for walking around the ruins.

Spring / Autumn (best time)
March-May; September-November · ~15-25°C
Mild, pleasant weather for exploring archaeological sites with lower heat stress than summer and generally fewer crowds.
Summer
June-August · ~30-40°C (can be hotter)
Very hot and dry - daytime heat can make extended outdoor touring uncomfortable; plan early starts and carry water.
Winter
December-February · ~5-15°C
Cooler with occasional rain; still suitable for visiting but evenings can be chilly.

Weather & Climate near Capitolias

Climate

Capitolias's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with hot summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 31°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.

Air Quality: AQI 77 Moderate
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
49°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Acceptable 5° - 13° 7° 100 mm partly cloudy 73% 2.6 m/s 0.5 low 10.1h
February Good 5° - 14° 8° 91 mm partly cloudy 72% 3.0 m/s 0.8 moderate 10.9h
March Very Good 7° - 17° 12° 74 mm partly cloudy 68% 3.3 m/s 1.2 high 11.9h
April Ideal 11° - 23° 17° 26 mm some cloud 61% 3.0 m/s 1.7 very high 12.9h
May Ideal 14° - 28° 21° 7 mm mostly sunny 55% 3.2 m/s 2.1 extreme 13.7h
June Ideal 17° - 30° 24° 0 mm clear 53% 3.2 m/s 2.6 extreme 14.1h
July Ideal 19° - 31° 25° 0 mm clear 56% 3.9 m/s 2.6 extreme 13.9h
August Ideal 19° - 31° 25° 0 mm clear 59% 3.5 m/s 2.3 extreme 13.2h
September Ideal 18° - 30° 24° 0 mm clear 58% 3.1 m/s 1.8 very high 12.2h
October Ideal 15° - 27° 21° 12 mm mostly sunny 56% 2.4 m/s 1.2 high 11.2h
November Very Good 10° - 21° 15° 47 mm mostly sunny 58% 2.1 m/s 0.7 moderate 10.4h
December Good 6° - 15° 11° 87 mm partly cloudy 67% 2.1 m/s 0.5 low 9.9h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Capitolias

Capitolias corresponds to the archaeological site at modern Beit Ras near Irbid. From Irbid city center it is a short taxi or car ride to the village of Beit Ras where the ruins are located. Visitors coming from Amman can reach Irbid by intercity bus or car (roughly 100-120 km north of Amman) and then take local transport to the site.

Tips for Visiting Capitolias

  • Go early in the morning to explore Capitolias's Roman and Byzantine remains before temperatures and tour groups build up-mornings give better light for mosaics and exposed ruins.
  • Enter via the main access from Beit Ras (Capitolias) and look for onsite signage and local guides; archaeological highlights include the theatre, colonnaded streets and mosaic floors that are easy to miss without guidance.
  • Combine a visit with nearby sites in northern Jordan (Umm Qais and local museums) to put Capitolias's ruins in historical context and avoid backtracking through the day's peak visiting hours.