Archaeology, Epigraphy, Philology

Research at Umm Al-Jimāl, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan, reveals complex and interconnected forms of cairn burial practices spanning millennia. Excavations in the Jebel Qurma region demonstrate that Early Bronze Age cemeteries were later replaced by tower tombs and conical ring cairns during the Hellenistic and Byzantine periods, with recurring reuse of tombs indicating their enduring significance for both the deceased and living communities. Additionally, Umm el-Jimal's architecture, including pioneering water systems and densely packed churches, suggests its role as a key hub for hospitality along historic trade routes from Petra to Damascus. The study combines archaeology, epigraphy, and philology to uncover these insights.

Matthews, V. H., Begg, C. T., Banister, J. A., Urbrock, W. J., Greenspahn, F. E., Moss, A. J., Oeste, G., Guyette, F. W., Gregory, B. C., Macatangay, F. M., & Hanneken, T. R. (2017). Archaeology, Epigraphy, Philology. Old Testament Abstracts, 40(3), 482–510. https://doi.org/10.1353/ota.2017.0004