site measures approx. 35 x 35 meters; on the road from Mafraq to Baghdad; two features of importance for history of Umayyad architecture: apsidal room, and rooms grouped around central courtyard--both probably derived from Ghassanid tradition; this is earliest of amir al-Walid I's residences; rectangular tower in courtyard is distinct from rest of complex, but similar to structures found throught eastern Syria--most likely a watch-tower of Romano-Byzantine date; Greek tomb inscription on the lintel of a room suggest that site became monastic settlement in 5th and 6th centuries; site expanded in Umayyad times, in AD 700, as recorded in inscription on a lintel; built on the banks of the Wadi Miqat, which is today blocked by a small dam ~2km northwest of the site; similar dam probably existed at time of constructionplan (drawing), 1989