Latest news with #DepartmentofAntiquities
Jordan News
4 days ago
- Jordan News
Al-Braizat and Abu Danneh Emphasize Importance of Integrating Key Archaeological Sites into Petra's Tourism Routes
Dr. Suleiman Al-Farajat, Chairman of the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority (PDTRA), and Dr. Fawzi Abu Danneh, Director General of the Department of Antiquities, stressed the importance of integrating several significant archaeological sites in southern Jordan into Petra's tourism network during a field visit conducted on Saturday. اضافة اعلان According to a statement issued by the PDTRA, the visit included prominent archaeological locations near the road connecting Aqaba and Petra, making them potential main stops that could be linked to existing tourist routes. These sites contain skeletal remains and evidence of early settled life and agricultural practices, marking the transition from a hunting-based lifestyle to farming in human history. During the visit, Al-Braizat emphasized the importance of expanding the visitor experience in Petra to include sites like Jabal Al-Tahkim and Adhruh. He affirmed that sustainable tourism begins with involving local communities and preserving the identity of the place. He also called for developing a comprehensive vision to connect these sites to tourism paths that tell stories supporting global understanding of Nabataean and Islamic civilizations in the region. For his part, Abu Danneh highlighted the archaeological and scientific significance of these sites, noting that comprehensive scientific studies are being prepared to document them and include them in national and international heritage preservation programs. The delegation discussed several proposals to develop these sites, including infrastructure improvements, trail and site rehabilitation in cooperation with local communities, and the potential repurposing of 'Bayt Nazal' as a regional center for Nabataean heritage and archaeological documentation. The visit is part of integrated efforts to maximize the benefit of the cultural and historical legacy in the Petra region, within a sustainable development vision that reinforces national identity and supports economic and social growth. --- (Petra )
Libya Review
6 days ago
- General
- Libya Review
Ancient Coins Discovered In Libya's Benghazi
Libya's Department of Antiquities in Benghazi has announced the discovery of 24 ancient copper and bronze coins in an archaeological site located in the western part of the city. According to a statement issued by the department, researcher Jalal Al-Obaidi from the Technical Affairs Division was responsible for cleaning and categorising the coins based on weight and type. He also examined the inscriptions and engravings on both sides of the coins, helping determine their features and historical periods. Out of the total, 12 coins were found in good condition, with clearly visible details that allow for further analysis and study. These well-preserved pieces are considered a significant addition to the department's collection of archaeological artefacts. The department emphasised the cultural and historical value of such discoveries, which shed light on the region's ancient trade and monetary systems. The coins are believed to date back to different historical periods, possibly spanning Roman or Greek eras, though official dating is still under way. This discovery adds to a series of recent archaeological finds across eastern Libya, where experts continue to work in challenging conditions to document and preserve the country's rich heritage. Despite ongoing security and economic challenges, Libya's archaeologists remain committed to protecting historical treasures for future generations. Tags: Ancient CoinsAntiquitiesbenghaziHeritagelibya
Jordan News
20-05-2025
- Science
- Jordan News
Abu Danneh Assumes Role as Director General of the Department of Antiquities - Jordan News
His Excellency Prof. Dr. Fawzi Qassem Abu Danneh officially began his duties as Director General of the Department of Antiquities on Sunday, May 18, 2025. This appointment follows the Royal Decree endorsing the Council of Ministers' decision to assign him to the post, after he earned the highest score in the competitive selection process conducted under the Government Leadership System. اضافة اعلان Dr. Abu Danneh holds a PhD in Classical Archaeology from Newcastle University in the United Kingdom, which he obtained in 2006. He brings with him extensive academic and research experience, in addition to practical fieldwork in the archaeology sector. His professional skills have been further enhanced through participation in numerous specialized training courses. In the academic field, Dr. Abu Danneh has made significant contributions, having published nearly 50 peer-reviewed research papers in prestigious local and international journals. He has also actively participated in both international and local scientific conferences with specialized academic research. In recognition of his academic standing, Dr. Abu Danneh has served on several boards and councils, most notably the Board of Trustees of Al-Isra University, and the Editorial Board of the Jordanian Journal of History and Archaeology issued by the University of Jordan. He has also appeared in several international documentaries on the history of antiquities in Jordan, including productions by the BBC. Dr. Abu Danneh has been a member of numerous thesis and dissertation defense committees in Jordanian universities and has represented the Kingdom in various local and international conferences, seminars, and workshops. He played an active role in securing the Al Hassan Award for Scientific Excellence during his tenure as Dean of the Petra College for Tourism and Archaeology.
Ammon
18-05-2025
- General
- Ammon
Bulldozer's crash into archaeological building leads to new discovery in Umm al-Jimal
Ammon News - Mayor of Umm al-Jimal, Hassan Rahiba revealed the discovery of an underground archaeological building during a demolition operation on Friday. In statements to Aman FM, the mayor said that the bulldozer collided with a hidden archaeological object inside the tourist city during the clearance operations, while the municipality informed the Department of Antiquities, which in turn dispatched a team to survey the area and begin work within its jurisdiction. Rahiba explained that the archaeological site's features are still largely unclear, and this is a matter for the Department of Antiquities. Naming Umm al-Jimal as a World Heritage Site contained 10% of the antiquities in the area, meaning it is not surprising that new antiquities would be discovered that would add value to the ancient city, he noted. Last year, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) listed the archaeological site of Umm al-Jimal in the far north of the Kingdom as the seventh Jordanian archaeological site to be inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, which also includes Petra, Qusayr Amra, Umm ar-Rasas, Wadi Rum, Baptism Site and al-Salt.
Jordan News
12-05-2025
- Jordan News
Religious Sites in Jordan - Jordan News
In Jordan, the land of Edom, Moab, Ammon, Gilead, and Perea, there are numerous shrines, sacred sites, and monuments for the monotheistic religions. This land attracts believers seeking the sites and relics of the prophets (peace be upon them) and the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Jordan was the gateway for Islamic conquests, and many major historical battles took place on its soil, such as the Battle of Mu'tah and the Battle of Yarmouk. To commemorate the martyrs and companions, mosques, shrines, and tombs were established, keeping the memory of Islamic victories alive in the modern mind. اضافة اعلان In the southern area near the city of Karak, there are the shrines of Ja'far ibn Abi Talib, Zayd ibn Harithah, and Abdullah ibn Rawaha. A memorial dedicated to Urwah ibn Amr al-Judhami is located near the Afra hot springs north of the city of Tafila, while the shrine of Harith ibn Amr al-Azdi is found to the south of Tafila near the city of Busaira. All of them are honored by the grace of Allah. The Jordan Valley holds several significant shrines of esteemed companions, including the shrine of Dhirar ibn al-Azwar near the town of Deir Alla, the shrine of Abu Ubayda Amir ibn al-Jarrah, located in the valley that bears his name, the shrine of Sharhabil ibn Hasnah in the town of al-Mashareh, and the shrines of Muadh ibn Jabal and Amer ibn Abi Waqas in the northern Jordan Valley. All are revered by Allah. In central Jordan, near the city of Salt, lies the shrine of Prophet Job (Ayyub) in the village of Batan. The shrine of Prophet Shuayb (Jethro) is also located in the Wadi Shuayb area near Salt. Perhaps the Cave of the Seven Sleepers, located southeast of Amman, is one of the most significant attractions for visitors, as the story of the Seven Sleepers is mentioned in the Qur'an and is also well-known in Christian history. To the east of the Jordan River lies the Baptism Site (al-Maghtas) in the Wadi Kharrar area, formerly known as Bethany. It is at this site that Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), at the age of thirty, stood before Prophet John the Baptist (peace be upon him) to be baptized with water, marking the beginning of his mission to humanity. Excavations in the area have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine church built during the reign of Emperor Anastasius. Several wells and pools are believed to have been used by early Christians for communal baptism rituals. The site has been restored by the Department of Antiquities, and it was visited by Pope John Paul II, who declared it a Christian pilgrimage site, along with four other sites in Jordan: Machaerus Castle, Mount Nebo, the Shrine of Our Lady of the Mountain in Anjara, and the Shrine of Prophet Elijah in the area of Khirbet al-Wahadneh. In the city of Madaba, south of Amman, the famous mosaic floor from the Byzantine period can be found in the Church of St. George of the Greek Orthodox Church. Visitors can see a map of the Holy Land. To the south of Madaba lies Machaerus Castle, where Prophet John the Baptist was imprisoned before Herod had him beheaded and presented his head on a platter to the dancer Salome. West of Madaba, Mount Nebo overlooks the Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley. It is believed by some that Prophet Moses (peace be upon him) was buried on this mountain, where a church with stunning mosaics from the 4th to 6th centuries was built at its summit. In the area of Umm al-Rasas, southeast of Madaba, excavations have uncovered a church dating from the Umayyad period, with a breathtaking mosaic floor depicting intricate designs.
