Only a handful of these gorgeous historic waterwheels remain but even those are in danger from local unrest.

The Syrian headquarters of alleged hashish-smoking assassins.

Ruins of the Crusaders' headquarters.

Mysterious lost empire of the Silk Road.

One of the world's best-preserved Roman amphitheaters is also one of the most unusual; it's made of black volcanic rock.

This ancient mountain monastery welcomes all manner of faith in an effort to keep Christians in Syria.

One of the oldest monasteries in the world is a key pilgrimage site for both Muslims and Christians.

This ornate mosque is said to hold the remains of Muhammad's granddaughter beneath its dome of pure gold.

Known as the "Valley of the Moon," this Jordanian wadi is one of the most amazing desertscapes on Earth.

A bathhouse from the second Islamic Caliphate decorated with frescoes of constellations, pleasure gardens, and naked ladies.

Gladiators battle and chariots race daily in the ruins of a once-great Roman city.

This exceptionally well-preserved ancient marvel also houses a small museum dedicated to Jordanian folk tradition.

The world's oldest map of the holy land gives us a fragmented glimpse of the layout of biblical nations.

Perched above the bustling town of Kerak is a sprawling, ruinous castle that has witnessed nearly a millennia of Levantine history.

A more chill but no less fascinating version of the famous ancient archeological site.

An ancient capital city that dates back 3,000 years and harbors many surprises.

Also known as the Great Mosque of Damascus, this is one of the world's largest and oldest mosques.

The largest hewn stone in history.

A patchwork of ruins from various civilizations in one of the world's oldest continually inhabited cities.

After this one-of-a-kind palace was built the architect's hands are said to have been cut off to keep it that way.

This subterranean funicular is one of the world's smallest subways.

Dozens of elegant ceramic tiles decorate these ancient walls, each displaying the Lord's Prayer in a different language.

Descend 2,030 years into the past in an ancient tunnel built to support Jerusalem's most famous wall.

A "miracle" that seems to produce more holy fistfights than holy revelations.