Overview

Bibliography

Overlooking the Zirqa Ma'in valley, Hajr al-Mansub (the "erected stone") is one of the most impressive menhirs in Jordan. Although rather isolated, it is linked to the large ceremonial center and dolmen field at Murayghat, about a kilometer to the west.

Hajr al-Mansub has been noted by many early travelers in Jordan. It was first mentioned by C. L. Irby and J. Mangles in their travels in 1815. In the 1880s, the menhir was discussed by C. R. Conder in the context of Murayghat. Other explorers in which the menhir is discussed include A. Musil, A. Jaussen and R. Savignac, and N. Glueck.

The menhir stands approximately 2.5 meters tall and is a 1.5 metes wide at the base, and is tapered toward the top. The southern face of the menhir is cut with a grove, at approximately two-thirds of it height. The specific purpose of the menhir is not know, but probably dates to the Early Bronze period as due the monuments at Murayghat.