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Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum, located in the south of Jordan is a desert area covering 720 square kilometers. The dramatic landscape consists of sandstone and granite mountains reaching 1700 meters or more.

History
The Wadi Rum area was inhabited in the Prehistoric periods, primarily the Neolithic period between the 8th and 6th centuries BC. Iron Age pottery andMinaeangraffiti reveal their was settlement in the area before the Nabataeans.Prior to Islam Wadi Rum was a gather place for the tribes of Ad, Thamud, Lihyan and Main. Recent excavations have uncovered a Caleolithic settlement dating from 4500 BC

Wadi Rum was the official headquarters of Prince Feisal bin Al-Hussein and T.E. Lawrence. This was during World War I to fight for the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire.

Local People
Almost all the people living in Wadi Rum are of Bedouin origin. Until today, the Bedouin in this area rely on their goat herds and lead nomadic lives. There are seven Bedouin tribal groups in the area, the largest being the Zalabia tribe who are heavily involved in the tourism industry.

Other tribes are Sweilhieen, Omran, Godman and Dbour tribes. They live in different villages depending mainly on livestocks raising and partially on tourism.