Travel Tips

I have done a bit of research on the internet about this site, but cannot find any agreement online as to what it is really called.
I have seen references to it on pages of Doura Europos (Dura Europos), under references to Mari as Tell Hariri, seen it called Qala'tar Rabba, etc.
The locals called it Al Raqbah (spelling) and all told me that it was built by the Israelite King Jehu. I have not seen any documentation on the internet to back that claim up.
Keep in mind it is pretty hot in the summer here, I think it was around 60C during this time period (July).
I found a few bits and pieces of bracelets and money while digging around. I will try to take some pictures of them and post for those who might be interested.
The site is probably 50 miles down the Euphrates River from Deir Ezzor. It is fairly close (10-15) miles from Dour Europa. If you look in the near distance you can see the irrigated land along the river. The land is very rich here and has been producing crops for many thousands of years. The irrigated and green portion only extends maybe 1 mile each side of the river. The rest of the land is purely desert in all directions.

This looks to me to be a watchtower of sorts. Not much left of it now.

I found this small group of people at the base of the castle. They evidently live somewhere closeby... but travel around with most of their belongings on board their "trizeena" (spelling).
Notice there is one man and 4 different women!! I don't know what their actual relationship to each other is, but he looks pretty happy!!!