The Edomites' original country, according to the Tanakh, stretches from the Sinai peninsula as far as Kadesh Barnea.

Southward it reaches as far as Eilat, which is the seaport of Edom.

On the north of Edom is the territory of Moab.

The boundary between Moab and Edom is the Wadi Zered.

The ancient capital of Edom was Bozrah.

According to Genesis, Esau's descendants settled in this land after displacing the Horites.

It was also called the land of Seir; Mount Seir appears to have been strongly identified with them and may have been a cultic site.

In the time of Amaziah (838 BCE), Selah (Petra) is its principal stronghold, Eilat and Ezion-geber its seaports.