More terraced fields can be found in Wadi Jadid, which is known locally for its remarkable collection of early Bronze Age burial chambers and stone memorials. These stone memorials, known as dolmens (which means "stone table"), date back to between 5000 and 3000 BC and consist of two upright stones capped by a bridging stone. The huge bridging stones were winched into position in a process that remains unknown, which is why social anthropologists regard them as proof of early social cohesion. While there are about 40 dolmens scattered across this unmarked site, with at least 12 in good condition, some are unfortunately badly graffitied. Locals refer to the site as Beit Al Ghula (which means "House of Ghosts"). There are thousands more dolmens scattered across Jordan, especially around Ar Rawdah.
From the road, it takes about 30 minutes to walk to the nearest dolmen and an hour to reach more distant groups. The site is near the village of Al Fiha, located 10km southwest of Madaba, but it can be challenging to find without guidance. The best way to visit is by checking for directions with the Mariam Hotel in Madaba, downloading a map from its website, or joining a tour (which costs JD12, plus JD3 for each hour spent at the site).
If you have your own vehicle, you can continue downhill to the Dead Sea (which is 30 minutes away) after visiting Wadi Jadid. Although the road can be narrow and potholed towards the end, it is still worth traveling for the beautiful and varied terrain it passes through. The journey includes Bedouin camps, green valleys of grapevines, olive groves, and citrus orchards. As the road descends to the desert floor, it also passes by a spring with a small waterfall - a sight that is almost miraculous in the arid landscape.
