"The Land of the Gadareans" a Umm Qays Travel Page by triplehelix

Umm Qais as it is known to the Arabs has gone through a few name changes including Seleucia, Antiochia, and the Greco-Roman Gadara during its decapolis era.

The ancient village has an idyllic setting with a cool climate. Olive trees cover the grounds as far as the eyes can see. Friendly local farmers greet you as you walk down the cardomaximus exploring ancient wonders envisioning what life was like back in its heyday.

Umm Qais is perhaps most famous for the biblical account in which Jesus himself cured two men of their demonic possession. The men emerged from their dwelling in the mausoleum along the cardo. The demons were then exercised and hurled into a herd of swine. The swine, in a mad rush, ran down the cliff into the sea below.