During the Roman period, Qanawat, was named Decapolis and it was allowed to live independently for a while. After the first Century AD it was incorporated within the Roman Empire, and later flourished under the Byzantine Empire when it became a Bishopric. When the Arabs took over Syria in the 7th century, Qanawat was not of much use to them and it declined.

The main ruin at Qanawat is the Serai or Seraya. This was originally two Roman structures dating back to the 2nd century AD, which were altered and adapted for Christian worship in the 4th and 5th centuries. It now consists of two churches and an atrium.

Also dating back to the 2nd century is a temple dedicated to the God of Gods, Zeus. It is situated in the southern part and its' six Corinthian columns are surrounded with a thicket of plants. The temple of the Sun God, Helios is northwest of the Zeus temple. It's structure dates back to the 2nd century and used to have 31 columns. Remains of the columns can be seen in the public town square. The other temples are dedicated to the God of water (3rd century) and another to Athena Al Lat (2nd century).

There is a large number of Roman and Byzantine tombs located on the road coming from Suweida and dating back to the 4th century is the Qanawat church. Other vestiges include the theater, the public baths and a great water tank.