The Pilgrimage Road
The pilgrimage road ,the Romanian pavement in al-lajah district or the Romanian Road all these different names are related to the same ancient road which connects Damascus with the holy Mecca.
The road which passed through Daraa and al-Sweida governorate was constructed by the Romanian workers in 106 AD in a very rugged area which is known as al- lajah district.
the Romanian workers also carried out some reforms in the road during the period of the Romanian emperor “Markus Aorlious ” (161-180) AD as the French archeological mission which studied the road assured.
some statements said that the road in not completely a Romanian work but there are clear documents assured that the road is only a Romanian achievement.
The French archeological Frank Primer spoke in his writings about the road’s archeological importance calling on the governmental concerned parties to give priority regarding reviving the road due to its distinguished role throughout history.
”the alhajj street was the only way for the pilgrims convoys from Damascus towards the holy Mecca and the villages of Horan were break stations for the pilgrims, namely Bosra and Sweida due to the tow big ponds in the two cities.
western travelers also mentioned alhajj rood at their writings , describing it as a unique achievement during the Romanian period and as an archeological landmark which is in need for exerting intensive efforts regarding reviving its historical importance.
Dr. Khalil al-Mekdad who is specialist in this regard described the rood as an archeological masterpiece namely in its straightness in spite of the rugged lands which is full of rocks and pebbles.
”the way is also contained five beacons which were lighting at nights to lead the pilgrims during their trip the beacons were constructed on high hills near wells,” Dr. al- Mekdad also said at his writings about the road , adding that in a step that aimed at defining distances for the pilgrims the Romanian builders wrote signboards on stone panels which were also fixed on high columns.
the famous ancient road was also used as military and commercial bath in order to its main role in connecting al- Sweida various villages and cities with Daraa ‘s different places at that time.
Nahla al-Maaz for Syria times