The ruins of the Machaerus fortress is situated on top of a 700-metre high hill 38 miles (61km) from the capital Amman. The fortress belonged to ::I the Great and it is believed that ::I, son of Herod the Great, presented Salome with the head of John the Baptist.

The local name of the fortress is Al-Meshneq and it is reached by climbing an extremely steep footpath. Parts of the outer wall and towers, as well as some vestiges of the palace walls and baths, are still visible. From this vantage point, there is a most spectacular view across the Dead Sea and surrounding terrain.