Early Islamic models of urban and rural settlements in the South Bilād al-Shām

Abstract

This contribute aims at an integration between archaeological remains (artefacts and features)
and historical sources to shed new light on the settlement system in the southern area of the SyrianPalestinian region at the beginning of the Islamic period. The intense occupation of the area
demonstrates a strong urban and rural organization and also highlights the importance of Ayla as a
commercial gateway (junction) to the Red Sea.