From Blizzard's Official World Dungeons site:
Built twelve thousand years ago by a covert sect of night elf sorcerers, the ancient city of Eldre'Thalas was used to protect Queen Azshara's most prized arcane secrets. Though it was ravaged by the Great Sundering of the world, much of the wondrous city still stands as the imposing Dire Maul. The ruins' three distinct districts have been overrun by all manner of creatures — especially the spectral Highborne, foul satyr and brutish ogres. Only the most daring party of adventurers can enter this broken city and face the ancient evils locked within its ancient vaults.
Built long ago by a covert sect of Queen Azshara's followers, this ancient city was used by these arcanists to process the Queen's most important demands in secret. Thousands of years have passed since the destruction of the Well, and Dire Maul's three wings have been overrun by ghostly Highborn, demons, and ogres. Only the most daring party of adventurers can enter this dungeon and face the ancient evils within.
Dire Maul is a three-wing instance found in Feralas. Once a proud Highborne city, it now lies in ruins, overrun by ogres and various forms of undead. While the original populace has long since been exterminated, a small remnant, called the Shen'dralar remains, murderous and evil to any outsiders. Compared to many Northrend areas, the level range is easier than the expansions but pre-TBC, this is still one of the highest-level instances for 60 and under players. The instance wings are designed for parties of five and all players have to be at least level 45 to enter any of the three wings.