In one of the most exciting discoveries in recent times, archaeologists working in Aqaba have unearthed what they believe to be the world’s oldest building built specifically to be a church – slightly older than Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem, and the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, both of which date from the fourth century.

Trading routes developed connecting Aqaba with southern Arabia and Yemen, and the town grew into a thriving city. The Nabateans populated the region extensively, drawn by the strategic trading location of Aqaba. In Roman times, the great Via Nova Triana came down from Damascus through Amman to Aqaba, where it connected with a west road leading to Palestine and Egypt.

The early days of the Islamic era saw the construction of the city of Ayla, which actual ruins; unearthed in the mid 1980's are a few minutes walk north along the main waterfront road.

The Crusaders occupied the area in the 12^th century and built their fortress of Helim, which remains relatively well preserved till to day.

By 1170, Aqaba was conquered by Salah Eddin. The Mameluks took over in 1250, but by the beginning of the 6^th century they were overtaken by the Ottoman Empire and started to decline. For 400 years or so it remained a simple fishing village of little significance. During World War 1 however, the Turks were forced to withdraw from the town after a raid by Lawrence of Arabia and the Arab Forces of Sheriff Hussein.