early 8th century; Qasr Al-Kharanah is also called Qasr al-Harrana; Qasr al-Kharanah; or Hraneh. The purpose of the building in early islamic style is unclear. It could have been a "castle"; a caravanseray; or something else. As an inscription inside the 60 rooms building suggests; it was most probably built during the reign of Umayyad caliph Walid I; latest 705 - 715 AD. Archeologist Stephen Urice dates the building period between 661 and 684 AD; but is also possible; that it was built even in Sassanid times; between 620 and 651 AD. The building is a fine example of early Islamic architecture; inspried by antique Roman architecture and Byzantine architecture.