Mukawir (Karak) FAQs In 2026 - 2027

Mukawir, also known as Machaerus, is a hilltop fortress located in Jordan, about 25 kilometers southeast of the Dead Sea. It is a historical site renowned for its ruins and the role it played during the first century as the location where John the Baptist was imprisoned and beheaded by Herod Antipas.

Mukawir can be reached by car from the nearest town of Madaba, which is approximately a one-hour drive. There is no public transportation directly to the site, but taxis can be arranged from Madaba or Amman. It is often included in guided tours of Jordan's historical sites.

Mukawir holds significant historical importance due to its association with the Biblical story of John the Baptist. According to Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian, it is the fortress where John was imprisoned and beheaded. Moreover, it is also noteworthy for its strategic location and the role it played in various historical conflicts.