The nation of Moab in biblical times was located directly east of the Dead Sea. Most of the settled inhabitants of the land lived in the narrow plateau between the Dead Sea and the Arabian desert. The plateau is cut by the Wadi el-Mujib (called the River Arnon in biblical times) and is bordered on the south by the Wadi el-Hesa (called the River Zered in biblical times). The rivers have cut deep canyons making the water that flows in them virtually inaccessible.
The plateau has thin soil and few springs but winter rains bring good mositure which the porous soil is able to absorb and hold. Grain grops are grown and pasturage is available for sheep and goats. In some places fruit trees and vineyards also flourish.
During the biblical period the part of Moab north of the River Arnon was more accessible than the part south of the river. The northern section changed hands frequently and developed a mixed population with mixed loyalties. An inscription from the reign of King Mesha of Moab in the 9th century B.C.E. mentions Israelite elements in the population which had been there for centuries.
Photograph from the Bible Picture Library of Photo Art (c) Christian Computer Art, 1994-97