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Jordan Times
15-04-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Greek graffito in Jordan's Black Desert sheds light on early nomadic Christians
This cluster of about 100 petroglyphs was found by a burial in Jordan's Black Desert (Photo courtesy Peter Akkermans) AMMAN — The eastern Basalt Desert was a home of a 'very intensive' Christian graffiti production during first three centuries AD. Syrian-Jordanian desert was the frontier between the Roman Empire and Sassanian Empire during late Roman and early Byzantine periods. Thousands of drawings, tags, prayers, personal records and names testify about this activity in a desolated place and scholars try to reconstruct the life of ancient tribes by studying the meaning of this graffiti. These graffiti are the work of nomadic pastoralist who inhabited the Black Desert and are a point of research for international and Jordanian archaeological teams. Compared to Safaitic inscriptions, graffiti in ancient Greek are rare. One of the Greek graffito was found in 2010 with the corpus of Safaitic inscriptions by Jordanian independent historian and researcher Rafe Harahsheh. The location of the graffito is 35 kilometres east of Azraq, deep into the desert. It is hardly surprising that, in addition to prehistoric sites and graffiti, many of more recent drawings and texts have been spotted in the area, said Professor Hani Hayajneh from Yarmouk University. The professor added that the first batch of the Safaitic inscriptions was discovered by Captain Lionel Rees, a British pilot and World War I ace, in 1920s. Later, the American researcher Piere Bikai, a former director of American Centre of Research in Amman presented in 2009 30 Safaitic documents, chosen from the set of 125 texts inscribed on 77 stones. 'In 2010, an epigraphic survey of the basaltic hills and valley east of Qa Al Muqalla was carried out by Harahsheh while he worked for the Department of Antiquities of Jordan: a large number of Safaitic and Greek, Nabataean, early Islamic and Mamluk inscriptions was documented," Hayajneh said. An edition of the new Greek inscription is intended as a supplement to all these fieldwork, Hayajneh noted. The text is incised on a basalt pebble left in its row state approximately 40 centimetres high, 50cm wide and 20cm thick. The handwriting is influenced by cursive script. Remarkably, the author of the inscription began to the first word of the text before realising that there was not enough space and starting again further down, the professor said, adding that the translation of the inscription states- Remember Toulos, son of Ietouros, who wrote this. This graffito is one of records that documents a person or a prolonged stay in one place. 'Although it's quite common, it should be noted, however, that there is a mixture of two types of wording to emphasise that the mentioned person was both the one who wished to be commemorated and the one who actually engraved the text,' Hayajneh underscored.
Jordan Times
09-04-2025
- Science
- Jordan Times
Lecture highlights Nabataeans' water mastery, pottery legacy
The aerial view of the Temple of the Winged Lions (Photo courtesy of ACOR) AMMAN — The ancient Nabataeans were well known for their hydraulic system, water storage and irrigation in a very arid area of Petra and its hinterland. They combined the best Greco-Roman practices with water preservation experiences in desert areas of north-western Arabia and Sinai. The Nabataeans were pioneers in hydraulic engineering, employing techniques that allowed more effective water distribution and storage across vast desert landscapes. "Throughout history, different cultures have made significant advancements in engineering, particularly in developing systems that facilitated water management and distribution," noted Yazan Tall at the lecture "The |Nabataean Innovative Techniques: Water Systems, Pottery and Queries", held on Tuesday at American Centre of Research. The event attracted a number of academics, professors and directors of Jordanian and foreign archaeological missions. These technological innovations were 'vital' for the creation of effective water systems in ancient times, and similar water systems were implemented in other parts of the Mediterranean by Greco-Romans. Water collection and conservation was particularly important in societies that lived in extremely dry weather like the one in Petra during the Nabataean Kingdom. 'Water systems were not just functional: they played crucial role in the social and economic activities of Nabataean society influencing trade and settlement patterns," Tall explained. The development of the Nabataean pottery was interconnected with water storage and artistry in pottery had its significant social role. The Nabataeans skilfully utilised local resources enhancing their pottery's durability and aesthetic appeal, Tall said, adding that it showcased their environmental adaptability. "By comparing Nabataean pottery with that of other Near Eastern cultures, we can glean insights into cross-cultural influences and shared techniques," Tall said, noting that exploring traditional methods of forming and firing pottery provides deeper understanding of the technical advancements in the ancient Near East. Meanwhile, pottery often played a significant role in trade, serving as both a commodity and medium for cultural exchange among ancient societies. 'The variety of pottery styles across different civilisations illustrated the rich tapestry of cultural identities and artistic expressions in the region," Tall underlined. The significance of the pottery also testified about the talent of the craftsman and the design was influenced by the local environment. Another major influence for the Nabataean pottery was the trade route that went from the bottom of the Arabian Peninsula all the way to Gaza, Mediterranean ports and Damascus. 'Pottery also reflected the Nabataean cultural and ethnic identity," Tall said, adding that the Nabataean queries influenced monumental architecture inside Petra. The Nabataeans transported stones from queries by dragging them with ropes due to its heaviness. For Tall, the most challenging part of his study was how to reconstruct the Nabataean hydraulic system and water management. "We might have tour guides specialised in water management because tourists usually visit The Treasury and a few other spots overlooking other sites that are equally important," Tall underlined, adding that we face the lack of visual interpretation of Petra hydraulic system as well as interactive signage. This type of tolls would connect researchers, tourists and students who flock Petra and its hinterland, Tall concluded.
Jordan Times
08-03-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
Remembering Gibran: Everlasting influence of Lebanese poet
AMMAN — The American Centre of Research (ACOR) recently hosted a lecture on the life and work of the early 20th century Lebanese poet, artist, and mystic Khalil Gibran, best known for his timeless book 'The Prophet.' 'Sometimes, something written a long ago becomes even more relevant in modern days,' noted the lecturer, Paul Chandler, drawing from his most recent book, 'In Search of a Prophet: A Spiritual Journey with Kahlil Gibran.' Born in 1883, in Bsharre, a picturesque town in the Lebanese mountains, Gibran's early years were marked by stark contrasts, natural beauty on one hand and political turmoil on the other. Lebanon, then under Ottoman rule, was rife with corruption and sectarian tensions, a reality that deeply influenced his later writings. His mother, recognising his artistic and spiritual inclinations from an early age, gifted him a book from Leonardo Da Vinci's artwork when he was just six years old. Reflecting on that moment, Gibran later wrote: 'That moment, as long as I live, was as if a ship lost in the fog had finally found a compass.' Gibran's grandfather, a Maronite priest, filled his childhood with biblical stories that captured his imagination. Meanwhile, his father, burned by gambling debts and drinking problems, was imprisoned, leading to the loss of his family's property. He spent only 12 years in the magical mountain of Lebanon, which created the foundation of spirituality and world view for the rest of his life. In search of a better future, Gibran's mother immigrated to the United States with her children just before he entered his teenage years. Though they settled in Boston, Gibran's mother ensured he remained connected to his roots, sending him back to Beirut for his high school years. His return to America was marked by hardship, he lost two sibling to tuberculosis, his mother to cancer, and much of his early artwork to a devastating fire. These tragedies deepened his introspection and strengthened his resolve as a writer. Gibran's early works, published in Arabic magazines and books, were bold and outspoken. He challenged ideologies, criticised the Ottoman regime, and condemned sectarian strife, often fuelled by religious authorities. As hid ideas evolved, he became a passionate advocate for women's rights, a rare stance at a time when women in the US were still fighting for the right to vote. Between 1903 and 1913, Gibran struggled to find balance between the artistic and intellectual worlds of the East and West. His novella 'Spirits Rebellious' questioned societal norms and his admiration for women, evident in both his writings and paintings, set him apart as a visionary. His most celebrated work, 'The Prophet,' published in 1923, catapulted him to international fame. The book, that he described as the challenge of his life, carries poetic meditations on love, freedom, and faith resonated with readers across cultures. On the subject of religion, he wrote: 'You are my brother and sister and I love you, I love you worshipping in your church, kneeling in your temple, and praying in your mosque. You and I are all children of one religion, but the fingers of the loving hands of the supreme being extended to all, offering completeness of spirit to all, and anxious to receive all.' Khalil often spoke about God, but his writings infused with a much deeper concern: living in harmony with one another, and with all of creation. As the lecture at ACOR highlighted, Khalil Gibran's words continue to inspire, reminding us that his message of love, justice, and spirituality unity is more relevant than ever.
Jordan Times
04-02-2025
- General
- Jordan Times
ACOR hosts lecture on Busayra's past as Edom's capital
Professor Benjamin Porter addresses public at the lecture titled " The Iron Age Townscape Busayra" held at American Centre of Research on Sunday (Photo courtesy of ACOR) AMMAN — Busayra, located 20 km south of Tafileh, was the ancient capital of the Edomite Kingdom. The first record about Busayra was documented by some European travellers in late 19th and early 20th centuries, as noted the professor Banjamin Porter from the University of California Berkeley where he teaches Middle Eastern Archaeology, during the lecture "The Iron Age Townscape Busayra", held at the American Centre of Research in Amman (ACOR) on Sunday. 'A British archaeologist Chrystal Bennet excavated Busayra in the 1970's, and her team identified multiple Iron Age buildings,' Porter said, adding that in 2013, he started the 'Busayra Cultural Heritage Project' with the goal to simultaneously address outstanding research questions about Busayra, the questions that were left over from the work in the 1970's as well as conduct site assessment and develop a site management plan. "Busayra was the kingdom's largest settlement and likely its capital," said Porter, noting that the kingdom spread through the southwest corner of modern Jordan, although the kingdom did not have precisely defined boundaries. The kingdom originates from the 2nd millennium BC where semi-nomadic communities dwelled from both sides of the Ghor Valley and organised copper mining industry and trade with neighbouring territories. "The Edomite Kingdom grew visible in the archaeological evidence during the 8th century BC and Busayra was founded at that time to extent that we know about," Porter said, adding that the kingdom drew its wealth through its strategic location, connecting Arabia with Gaza and Damascus. Edom's political autonomy was slightly curtailed when the Assyrian Empire expanded its reach into Levant from its base in northern Mesopotamia during the 8th and 7th centuries. "Edom escaped destruction by becoming one of many Assyrian vassals. So cunei sources tell us that Edom's kings delivered tribute to the Assyrian Imperial court and it managed to weather ups and downs of the Assyrian Empire," Porter underlined, adding that the kingdom was significantly weakened in the 6th century BC. Babylonian imperial campaign negatively affected the Edomite Kingdom around 550 BC. Excavation at Busayra added a considerable amount of information to the historical picture of Edom and also raised a lot of questions. The ancient town of Busayra was located on one and a half kilometre long spur, that extends out from the Transjordanian Plateau. "Iron Age settlements found themselves built on spurs and there were two advantages; the first advantage was immediate protection and the second was that you were located close to the wadi where you can bring heard to water them or you could go hunting or gather plants or building material for your house," Porter underlined. The team also found a corner or the fortification system on the edge of the spur that suggests that the town extended from this point. 'Late Burt McDonald found broken ceramic fragments during his survey of Busayra,' Porter said, adding that the settlement was distribute across the entire village. "Busayra was one of the largest settlements in southern Jordan during the 1st millennium BC," Porter stressed, noting that there are three wide terraces that step down of the north side of the spur that go directly to the valley. Some fortification walls discovered by the team were higher than 2 metres. Porter discussed the building A which was 2,300 square metres administrative building, consisting of two halves. "The cistern sits in the middle of the courtyard of the building A and to the east of the cistern there is a threshold of distinct red stones that give way to a raised platform with a chair or a cult statue may have been situated," Porter elaborated. However, scholars did not reach a final conclusion about the purpose of the room. The building A was constructed in the 8th century BC and used through the 7th century BC and it continued to be in use after its destruction around 550 BC, and used in the 4th and 3rd centuries BC. "Busayra is an ideal place where archaeological research and cultural heritage conservation practices can be integrated into a single research design," Porter underscored.
