Bible Geography · Transjordan Trade Route · c. 2000 BC – AD 600
King's Highway
Description
The King's Highway was the major north-south trade and military route through Transjordan, running from the Gulf of Aqaba through Edom, Moab, and the kingdoms east of the Jordan up to Damascus. It connected Arabia's spice routes with Syria and passed through some of biblical history's most significant territories.
Significance
The King's Highway appears explicitly in the Exodus narrative when Moses requested permission to travel it through Edom and was refused, forcing a longer detour. The route's importance as an artery of regional power explains why controlling it was crucial to any empire seeking dominance in the ancient Near East.
Key Events
The four kings of Genesis 14 attacked cities along the King's Highway corridor; Moses requested passage through Edom via the King's Highway and was refused; Israel defeated the Amorite king Sihon who blocked their passage; the Roman emperor Trajan paved and renamed it 'Via Nova Traiana' around AD 111.
Modern Context
Jordan's modern Highway 35 (Desert Highway) follows much of the ancient King's Highway corridor. The spectacular Nabataean city of Petra and the Roman city of Jerash both sat along this ancient route, and both are now among Jordan's premier tourist destinations.