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English: Wadi Rum has been inhabited by many human cultures since prehistoric times, with many cultures ” including the Nabateans” leaving their mark in the form of rock paintings, graffiti, and temples.

Everywhere, in this timeless and empty place, are indications of man's presence since the earliest known times. Archaeologists are certain that the Wadi Rum area was inhabited in the Prehistoric periods, mainly the Neolithic period between the 8th and 6th centuries BC, and was known as Wadi Iram. Fresh water springs made Rum a meeting center for caravans heading towards Syria and Palestine from Arabia.
Wadi Rum was the headquarters of Prince Feisal bin Al-Hussein and T.E. Lawrence during World War I, to fight for the Arab Revolt against the Ottoman Empire. Lawrence became a legendary figure for his key role in the fight for the Arab cause. He made his home in this magical area. Ain Asshallaleh, also known as Lawrence's Spring is just a short walk up the hillside from the Nabataean temple. The mountain aptly known as the Seven Pillars of Wisdom, was named by T.E. Lawrence, and was the inspiration for the title of his book of the same name.

"Vast, echoing and God-like" - these are the words T.E.Lawrence used in describing Wadi Rum. It is the largest and most magnificent of Jordan's desert landscapes, but by no means the only one. Jordan is crisscrossed with countless valleys of stunning beauty, from the knife-edged dunes of Wadi Araba to the Wadi Mujib, a wildlife reserve and Jordan's answer to the Grand Canyon. There are many ways to experience Wadi Rum's fragile, unspoiled desert retreats. Serious trekkers will be drawn to Wadi Rum, with challenging climbs some up to heights of 1750 meters, while casual hikers can also enjoy an easy course through the colorful sandstone jabals (hills) and canyons. Tourists with a high sense of adventure will want to try hiking and cliff climbing on Jabal Rum (Ramm), Jordan's second highest mountain. Those of a calm disposition will probably prefer a camel ride or a night under the stars in Bedouin tent.

Relatively few of Jordan's Bedouin still follow the ways of their ancestors. Most have settled in cities and towns and are found in every walk of life. Yet low-slung black tents and back camels have not vanished from the landscape, and many travelers find a shared meal or coffee with traditional desert Bedouin to be their most memorable experience. Naturalists will be drawn to the desert in springtime, when rains bring the greening of the hills and an explosion of hundreds of species of wild flowers. Red anemones, poppies and the striking Black Iris, Jordan's national flower, grow at will by the roadside and in more quiet reaches.