As a cultural and historical geographer, I am well-versed in the study of the human-environment relationship and the evolution of places over time. Today, Moab is a city in Grand County, Utah, United States, known for its scenic beauty and as a gateway to two national parks: Arches and Canyonlands. However, the historical Moab, as you've mentioned, is quite distinct and refers to a region with a rich and complex history.

The historical Moab, as you've correctly stated, is a mountainous strip of land in what is now modern-day Jordan, situated along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. This region was once the heartland of the Moabites, a Semitic people who established their kingdom there. The Moabites are mentioned in the Hebrew Bible, where they are depicted as having a contentious relationship with the ancient Israelites. Their interactions were often marked by conflict, but also by periods of alliance and trade.

The Moabite kingdom was at its height during the Iron Age, roughly between the 11th and 6th centuries BCE. The Moabites were known for their agricultural prowess, utilizing the fertile lands around the Dead Sea and the Jordan River. They were also skilled in metallurgy, with the region being rich in copper and other minerals.

One of the most famous artifacts from the Moabite civilization is the Mesha Stele, also known as the Moabite Stone. This black basalt stone, discovered in 1868, contains an inscription that tells the story of King Mesha of Moab and his rebellion against the Israelite King Omri. The stele is a significant piece of evidence that provides insight into the history and culture of the Moabites.

The Moabite kingdom eventually fell to the Neo-Babylonian Empire and later became part of the Persian Empire. After the conquests of Alexander the Great, the region was incorporated into the Hellenistic world. Over the centuries, the area was ruled by various powers, including the Roman Empire, the Byzantine Empire, and the Islamic Caliphates.

Today, the historical region of Moab is part of Jordan and is rich in archaeological sites that bear witness to its ancient past. The area continues to be of interest to scholars and tourists alike, who are drawn to its historical significance and the remnants of the civilizations that once thrived there.

In conclusion, the present-day Moab in Utah, USA, is a place of natural beauty and adventure, while the historical Moab in Jordan is a region steeped in the ancient history of the Middle East. Both places share the name but represent vastly different contexts and experiences.

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Moab (Hebrew: ?????? -- Mo?av; Greek: ----?--) is the historical name for a mountainous strip of land in modern-day Jordan running along the eastern shore of the Dead Sea. In ancient times, it was home to the kingdom of the Moabites, a people often in conflict with their Israelite neighbors to the west.Nov 11, 2014read more >>