According to Pliny the Elder, (CE 23–79) the cities included: Scythopolis (Bet She'an), Hippos (Susieh), Gadara (Umm Qais), Pella (Tabaqat Fahl), Philadelphia (Amman), Gerasa (Jerash), Dion, Kanatha (Kanawat), Damascus, and Raphana (Abila).

The villagers paid a fixed tax-rate of 25% on agricultural products; including wheat, barley, summer crops/fruit trees, goats and bee-hives; in addition to occasional revenues.

He narrates in his book, which describes his travels in the east, that when he got to al-Husn Pond and asked about the town's sheikh, he was directed to Abdalla's residence, where he stayed with him for two weeks.

Both these early travelers wrote about their stay in al-Husn and about their host; the description is full of compliments, appreciation and respect.

[5] Al-Husn is notable for its Roman-era artificial hill, situated in the northern part of the town, referred to by locals as "Al-Taal".