Jordan is an Arab country in the Middle East, spanning the southern part of the Syrian Desert down to the Gulf of Aqaba. It shares control of the Dead Sea with Israel. Much of Jordan is covered by the Arabian Desert. The capitol of Amman is in the north-west. Jordan has a rich history; its location astride major trade routes has long made it a prized possession. Jordan has seen numerous civilisations, including the Sumerian, Akkadian, Israelite, Babylonian, Assyrian, Mesopotamian, and Persian empires. Jordan was for a time part of Pharaonic Egypt, and spawned the native Nabatean civilisation who left rich archaeological remains at Petra. Cultures from the west also left their mark, such as the Macedonian, Roman, and Byzantine empires. Since the seventh century the area has been under Muslim and Arab cultures. For a small country it has some superb tourist sites including the carved city of Petra, preserved Roman city of Jerash, old city Amman, Crusader castles, desert of Wadi Rum and Dead Sea resorts.