Stylite tower complex, Umm er-Rasas
Umm er-Rasas photo tour, part 4: a 14 meter high tower on which ascetic pillar-saints retreated. Around it, a church, square tower, cistern, quarry.
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The 13.80 meter high tower was built of well-shaped limestone, with a plain shaft and no stairway. A channel ran from top to bottom on the inside of the tower’s wall. It is possible that this channel was used as a toilet.
The domed room at the top has been reached only from outside using ropes or ladders. On the southern side there is a larger window or door that would be used to pull in a food-laden basket.
© Photo: Haupt & Binder
Umm er-Rasas photo tour, part 4: a 14 meter high tower on which ascetic pillar-saints retreated. Around it, a church, square tower, cistern, quarry.