Latest news with #MadabaMap
Yahoo
14-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Ancient Christian settlement unearthed in Jordan, illuminating Middle East's religious past
Archaeologists uncovered the long-forgotten Byzantine settlement of Tharais. A team of archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be the long-forgotten Byzantine settlement of Tharais, offering significant new insights into the history of Christianity in the Middle East. The findings, led by Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh, an associate professor of archaeology at Mutah University in Jordan, were published in Gephyra, a journal dedicated to the ancient history and cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean, in May. Rawahneh's discovery was guided by the Madaba Map, an ancient mosaic that has long intrigued historians. He pinpointed the site near the Jordanian village of El-Irāq, in an area known as Ain Al-Qala'a. Although the settlement had been lost to obscurity for centuries, the archaeologist noted its strategic location along ancient trade routes leading to the southeastern Dead Sea region. During the excavation, Rawahneh and his team brought to light a variety of artefacts, such as pottery shards, stone tools, and glass remnants, along with fossils. The site also yielded substantial architectural remains, most notably those of a Byzantine church. Rawahneh highlighted the Christian church and an olive oil press as among the most compelling discoveries. The church, described as 'basilica-style,' features fragments of mosaic floors characteristic of Byzantine Christian sites. Rawahneh remarked that its design 'reflects Byzantine aesthetics, including a prominent entrance and possible remnants of decorative elements.' Parts of the main entrance frame and the front facade of the church were also uncovered. Additionally, archaeologists found various inscriptions, which Rawahneh linked to ancient funerary practices. While these inscriptions require further analysis, the professor suggested they 'may include Christian imagery and references,' which he believed could shed more light on ancient religious customs. Rawahneh attributes the abandonment of Tharais by the 7th century CE to a combination of factors, including shifts in trade routes, earthquakes, and environmental changes. The period also saw the transition of the region from Byzantine to Islamic control. Future research plans include surveys of surrounding areas and more detailed analysis of the unearthed artifacts. Rawahneh expressed hope that these ongoing studies would 'enhance the understanding of Tharais and its significance within the broader context of Byzantine archaeology in Jordan.' The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, flourished from 330 CE to the 15th century, beginning when Constantine the Great relocated the Roman capital to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. The era continues to yield fascinating archaeological discoveries across Asia Minor and the Middle East. For example, a 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery was recently put on public display in Israel, and a Byzantine tomb complex was discovered in Syria by a contractor clearing rubble.
New York Post
10-07-2025
- General
- New York Post
Archaeologist unearths mysterious Christian settlement hidden away for centuries
An archaeologist recently uncovered the likely remains of a long-forgotten Byzantine settlement, offering new insights into the history of Christianity in the Middle East. Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh, an associate professor of archaeology at Mu'tah University in Jordan, recently published his findings in the journal Gephyra in May. The archaeologist believes he's uncovered the ancient site of Tharais, guided by the enigmatic Madaba Map – a remarkable mosaic that has puzzled historians for centuries. Speaking to Fox News Digital, Al-Rawahneh said he located the site near the Jordanian village of El-ʿIrāq, in an area known as Ain Al-Qala'a. Though the site was lost to obscurity, the historian said the once-thriving settlement was located 'strategically' along trade routes to the southeastern Dead Sea region. At the site, Al-Rawahneh and his team uncovered artifacts ranging from pottery shards and stone tools to glass remnants. He also uncovered fossils during his excavation. The area was filled with architectural remains, including a Byzantine church. When asked what was the most interesting finding at the site, Al-Rawahneh pointed to several discoveries, including the Christian church and an olive oil press. The church, which the historian called 'basilica-style,' retained fragments of mosaic floors typical of Byzantine Christian sites. 3 Associate professor of archaeology at Mu'tah University, Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh uncovered the likely remains of a long-forgotten Byzantine settlement. Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh/Gephyra '[It] reflects Byzantine design, including a prominent entrance and possible remnants of decorative elements,' he said. Archaeologists also found various inscriptions, which Al-Rawahneh said were linked to ancient funerary practices. While the inscriptions require further research, the professor said they 'may include Christian imagery and references,' which will provide more insight into ancient religious practices. So what led to Tharais becoming 'lost'? Al-Rawahneh said the site was abandoned by the 7th century A.D., based on what archaeologists have learned about activity in the area. 3 The remains were discovered near the Jordanian village of El-ʿIrāq. Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh/Gephyra The expert pointed to changes in trade routes, earthquakes and environmental changes as possible reasons. Al-Rawahneh also noted that the area transitioned from Byzantine to Islamic control in the seventh century. More research is in the works, including surveys of surrounding areas and additional analysis of the artifacts that were found, he said. In the future, Al-Rawahneh said he hopes that upcoming research will 'enhance the understanding of Tharais and its significance within the broader context of Byzantine archaeology in Jordan.' 3 Al-Rawahneh and his team of archaeologists found pottery shards, stone tools, glass remnants, and architectural remains, including a Byzantine church. Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh/Gephyra The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, lasted from 330 A.D. to the 15th century. The empire began to take shape in 330 A.D., when Constantine the Great moved the Roman capital to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople. Many fascinating finds from the Byzantine era still turn up in Asia Minor and the Middle East today. In May, Israeli officials put a 1,600-year-old Byzantine-era mosaic from a Christian monastery on public display for the first time. In Syria, a contractor recently stumbled across a Byzantine tomb complex while clearing rubble.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- General
- Time of India
How a 1,500-year-old map led researchers to a hidden city
Ancient maps often have mysteries hidden inside, especially those that enclose the geography of areas rich in history and culture. One such map, the Madaba Mosaic Map, is a precious artifact from the Byzantine era that has surprised historians and archaeologists. The map that was made over 1,500 years ago offers a detailed depiction of the Holy Land, including many sites that have since been lost to time. The deep desire to locate these lost cities is not just about uncovering through the ruins, but it is about reconnecting with the past civilizations that pottered the spiritual and economic arena of the region. Recently, a team of researchers went on a journey to find one of these elusive cities, guided by the ancient mosaic and supported by modern archaeological techniques. The lost city of Byzantine was found in Jordan The lost Byzantine city of Tharais has come into the limelight after centuries of obscurity. Tharais, which was once depicted on the famed Madaba Mosaic Map, a 6th-century tile map located in Madaba, Jordan, has been identified near the modern town of El-'Iraq, close to the southeastern edge of the Dead Sea. This was the result of a dedicated research project led by Musallam R. al-Rawahneh, an associate professor of archaeology and ancient Near East studies at Mutah University, spanning from 2021 to 2024, and the team recently published their discoveries in the journal Gephyra. The Madaba Mosaic Map, allegedly created during Emperor Justinian's reign (527-565 A.D.), is the oldest surviving map of Jordan's Holy Lands and features 157 sites, many still undiscovered. Tharais, a city from the Byzantine Empire, was one such mystery until al-Rawahneh's team combined the ancient map with modern surveys to locate the site. Their fieldwork found mosaic floors, glassware, and tools, indicating a surviving settlement. Most notably, they found architectural remains resembling a Byzantine basilica, an oblong church structure with an open-air central room, alongside Greek and Latin funerary inscriptions that point to an early Christian community in the area. According to al-Rawahneh, 'The prominence of Tharais on the Madaba Map and the discovery of a basilica church structure suggest that it served not only as an agricultural village but also as a sacred site and commercial rest stop,' as reported by Türkiye Today. This dual role tells that Tharais was both a spiritual hub and an economically active center. Evidence of olive oil presses, windmills, and grape-crushing equipment supports the idea that the city was self-sustaining economically. The layout of the ruins, including gates, towers, and other structures, closely matches the depiction on the Madaba Map, proving the case for the site's identification as Tharais. 'Our aim is not just to uncover Tharais,' al-Rawahneh explained, 'but also to advocate for the protection of Jordan's rich cultural heritage.' This rediscovery not only fills a gap in the historical record but also offers a vivid glimpse into the life of a Byzantine city that blended religious significance with agricultural prosperity and trade, enriching our understanding of the ancient Near East.
