Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh, an associate professor at Mu’tah University, led the excavation project near the village of El-ʿIrāq in central Jordan. The work centered around an area called Ain Al-Qala’a, where ancient ruins had long been suspected but never definitively located.

Al-Rawahneh’s research, published in the academic journal Gephyra in May, details the discovery of numerous architectural remains and artifacts that align with the Byzantine period. Key to the successful location of the site was the use of the Madaba Map, a sixth-century mosaic known for its religious landmarks and geographical accuracy in parts of the Middle East.

The settlement is believed to be Tharais, a city that once held strategic importance due to its position along historical trade routes that connected various regions to the southeastern shores of the Dead Sea. Archaeological findings from the dig support the theory that the site held economic and religious significance during the height of the Byzantine Empire.

Key Findings Include Church and Olive Oil Press

Among the most remarkable findings at the site was the partial structure of a basilica-style church, including a prominent front entrance and pieces of mosaic flooring. These architectural elements reflect characteristics commonly found in churches built during the Byzantine period.

“It reflects Byzantine design, including a prominent entrance and possible remnants of decorative elements,” Al-Rawahneh said. He noted that the construction style and layout of the church confirm its function as a religious center within the community.

The excavation also uncovered a remarkably preserved olive oil press, which Al-Rawahneh described as one of the most captivating aspects of the project. The presence of the press offers insights into the agricultural and economic practices of the settlement’s inhabitants.

Artifacts Link Faith and Daily Life

Researchers discovered numerous artifacts that tie the settlement to both commerce and Christian ritual. These include pottery shards, glass fragments, stone tools, and even fossils, all likely used in everyday life or possibly linked to religious activities.

In addition, the excavation revealed ancient inscriptions that may be associated with funeral customs. According to Al-Rawahneh, these inscriptions could feature Christian symbols, potentially offering new evidence of worship practices and theological beliefs during the era.

“The inscriptions may include Christian imagery and references,” Al-Rawahneh stated. He emphasized the importance of these discoveries in contributing to the historical understanding of early Christian practices in Jordan and surrounding regions.

Settlement Timeline and Abandonment

The archaeologist believes Tharais was inhabited until the 7th century A.D., after which it was likely deserted. Several factors may have contributed to its eventual abandonment, including regional seismic activity, shifts in local trade routes, and large-scale political transformations.

The 7th century marks a time of major transition in the region, as control shifted from Byzantine to early Islamic rule. This may have altered settlement patterns and contributed to the gradual desertion of cities like Tharais.

Environmental changes, such as drought or soil degradation, are also considered possible reasons why residents left the area, although none can yet be verified without further investigation.

Connecting Tharais to the Broader Byzantine World

Al-Rawahneh highlighted the importance of continued exploration and analysis to interpret the broader role of Tharais within the Byzantine network of cities in Jordan. “Future research will enhance the understanding of Tharais and its significance within the broader context of Byzantine archaeology in Jordan,” he remarked.

Plans are already in place for systematic surveys of the nearby region and detailed artifact studies. Researchers aim to chart additional settlements or activity areas that may have supported Tharais during its peak.

These future excavations are anticipated to provide a clearer picture not only of the settlement itself but also of the complex ways in which various communities interacted and evolved during the Byzantine era.

Regional Context of Recent Discoveries

The Tharais find is one of several notable Byzantine-era discoveries to come to light in the Middle East this year. In Syria, a previously unknown tomb complex from the same period was accidentally uncovered during construction work.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities premiered a 1,600-year-old church mosaic with Christian motifs that had never before been shown to the public. Together, these finds are helping scholars paint a more complete picture of early Christian worship and daily life across the region.

The Byzantine Empire, which governed vast portions of the Eastern Mediterranean from the 4th century until the 15th century, left behind architectural, religious, and commercial legacies that continue to be uncovered through archaeological work like this.