The archaeologist who would have found an ancient city formerly curted in Jordan

An archaeologist recently discovered the probable remains of a long-forgotten Byzantine colony, offering new perspectives on the history of Christianity in the Middle East.

Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh, an associate professor of archeology at Mu’tah University in Jordan, recently published its results in the journal Gephyra in May.

The archaeologist believes that he discovered the old site of Tharais, guided by the enigmatic map of Madaba – a remarkable mosaic which has intrigued historians for centuries.

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Addressing Fox News Digital, Al-Rawahneh said that he had located the site near the Jordanian village of El-ʿirāq, in an area known as Ain al-Qala’a.

Although the site was lost against darkness, the historian said that the colony formerly bankruptcy was located “strategically” along the commercial roads to the Southeast Dead Sea region.

It is believed that the Byzantine city lost in southern Jordan would have been rediscovered by archaeologists in Jordan. (Musallam R. al-Rawahneh)

On the site, Al-Rawahneh and his team discovered artefacts ranging from bursts of pottery and stone tools to leftover glass. He also discovered fossils during his excavations.

The area was filled with architectural remains, including a Byzantine church. When asked what was the most interesting discovery on the site, Al-Rawahneh highlighted several discoveries, including the Christian church and a press of olive oil.

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The church, which the historian called “basilic style”, has preserved fragments of mosaic soils typical of Byzantine Christian sites.

“(IT) reflects the Byzantine design, including a prominent entry and possible remains of decorative elements,” he said.

Archaeologists discovered part of the church main entry frame, seen on the left, as well as a rest of the front facade of the church, shown on the right. (Musallam R. al-Rawahneh)

Archaeologists also found various inscriptions, which, according to al-Rawahneh, were linked to ancient funeral practices.

Although inscriptions require additional research, the professor said they “may include Christian images and references”, which will give an overview of ancient religious practices.

Archaeologists also found various inscriptions.

So what led Thais to become “lost”? Al-Rawahneh said that the site had been abandoned by the 7th century AD, on the basis of what archaeologists have learned about activity in the region.

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The expert highlighted changes in commercial roads, earthquakes and environmental changes as possible reasons.

Al-Rawahneh also noted that the area went from Byzantine control to Islamic control in the seventh century.

Al-Rawahneh said that the discovery of an olive oil press, seen above, was one of the most interesting results in excavation. (Musallam R. al-Rawahneh)

Additional research is underway, including surveys in the surrounding areas and an additional analysis of the artifacts that have been found, he said.

In the future, Al-Rawahneh said that he hoped to come to come “will improve Tharase understanding and its importance in the broader context of Byzantine archeology in Jordan”.

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The Byzantine Empire, also known as the Oriental Roman Empire, lasted 330 after JC in the 15th century.

The Empire began to take shape in 330 AD, when Constantine the Great moved the Roman capital to Byzantium, which he renamed Constantinople.

The site was probably abandoned in the 7th century due to various factors. (Musallam R. al-Rawahneh)

Many fascinating discoveries of the Byzantine era are still in Asia Minor and the Middle East today.

In May, Israeli officials put 1,600 Byzantine-ere Mosaic of a Christian monastery on a public exhibition for the first time.

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In Syria, an entrepreneur recently tripped on a complex by Byzantine tombs while cleaning the rubble.