Pihilu
| Πέλλα | |
Classical Pella, 2005.
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 Shown within Jordan
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| Location | Irbid Governorate, Jordan |
|---|---|
| Region | Levant |
| Coordinates | 32°27′N 35°37′E / 32.450°N 35.617°ECoordinates: 32°27′N 35°37′E / 32.450°N 35.617°E |
| Type | Settlement |
| History | |
| Abandoned | 749 AD |
| Site notes | |
| Condition | In ruins |
Pella (Ancient Greek: Πέλλα, also known in Arabic as Tabaqat Fahl, طبقة فحل) is found in northwestern Jordan, 27.4 km (17 miles) south of the Sea of Galilee. Pella represents one of ten Decapolis cities that were founded during the Hellenistic period and became powerful under Roman jurisdiction. With a history extending back into the Bronze Age, Pella expanded to its largest state during the reign of the Roman Empire. Pella is located in the Jordan Valley, 130 km (80 miles) north of Amman, and is half an hour by car from Irbid, in the north of the country. Today, the city's sizable collection of ruins are excavated by archeologists, and attract thousands of tourists annually.
Originally known by the Semitic name Pihilum, Pella has been continuously occupied since the Neolithic era. The city was first mentioned in the 19th century BC in Egyptian execration texts, and it continued to flourish throughout the Bronze Age. While the cause is not known, the dawn of the Iron Age meant the end of power in Pihilum, and the city, while still inhabited throughout this time, fell into major disrepair, and left the city without any major sources of trade or economic growth. The city was revitalized by Hellenistic influences that dominated the western world, and its name was Hellenised to Pella, in order to honor the birthplace of Alexander the Great. The city became a regional power once again after Greek occupation increased commerce in the area, and brought trade routes back through the city. Texts and archaeological records show that this area was largely populated during Hellenist reign, and constituted an integral stop for merchants during the Hellenistic Period.
About 80 BCE the Hasmonean King Alexander Jannaeus demolished the city of Pella, "because the inhabitants would not agree to adopt the national custom of the Jews" (i.e. Convert to Judaism). However, the city seems to have been rebuilt within a short time.
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