In Mukawir area, there is a palace-fortress where John the Baptist was held prisoner, by king Herodian, prior to his tragic death. When John told King Herodian that he has sinned by marrying his brother's wife, the king got furious and locked him up in this fortress.
The Palace, named Macherus in Greek is known today as Makawer, and is located 66 klm south west of Amman. It retains the memories of some very dramatic ancient human and political events, including the beheading of John the Baptist, a Jewish revoh against the Roman rule, and a prolonged Roman siege and destruction of the rebels.
From the summit of Makawer one has a splendid view of the Dead Sea, the hills of central Palestine and the rolling low mountains towards Jerusalem. The palace has gained considerable fame because it is where Herod Antipas imprisoned and then beheaded John the Baptist.
The fortress built originally by Alexander Jannaeus first century BC. Then Herod the Great enlarged the fortress and built a palace inside.In 70 A.D the fortress destroyed by the Roman legate Gabinios under the authority of the emperor Titus.
(Best viewed in Original size.)