Ma'an is a city in southern Jordan.

It is the capital of Ma'an Governorate. The modern city has a population of around 30,000. Civilizations with the name of Ma'an have existed since at least Nabatean times - the modern city is to the north and west of the ancient town. The city is an important transport hub situated on the ancient King's Highway and also on the modern Desert Highway.

For many centuries, the oasis of Ma'an as been a focal point for bedouin tribes east of Nabateea. Located about 50 kilometers directly east of ancient Petra, this ancient oasis has many date palms, ancient homes and caves. The modern city of Ma'an, now around 30,000 population is built north and west of the ancient oasis. The large building in the photograph is an old Turkish fort/prision that has been restored and is open to the public. There are evidences of Nabataean and Roman settlements here. It is also believed that Ma'an was located on an east/west trade route.

Sources: Wikipedia - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ma%27an

              Nabatea Net - http://nabataea.net/maan.html