A stunning archaeological breakthrough in the Middle East has brought one of the Holy Land’s forgotten cities back into the spotlight.
Experts believe they have uncovered the ancient Byzantine-era Christian settlement of Tharais, a location once featured on the Madaba Mosaic Map, which had vanished for centuries.
Dr Musallam R Al-Rawahneh, Associate Professor of Archaeology at Mu’tah University, published his findings in May.
In the journal, he disclosed the remnants of the historic city had been unearthed by researchers during a three-year fieldwork initiative in Jordan, which commenced in 2021.
The project concentrated on the southeastern region of the Dead Sea, close to the village of El-ʿIrāq, in an area called Ain Al-Qala’a, reports the Mirror US.
Investigators utilised the renowned sixth-century map, which has been employed to pinpoint archaeological locations dating back to 330 CE, to direct their efforts.
The map represents the oldest surviving geographical illustration of the Holy Land, documenting more than 150 historic sites.
The Byzantine Empire came before the Roman Empire and concluded around the 15th century.
Using the map alongside satellite imagery and ground surveys, numerous discoveries were made at the location, including remnants of a mill, an olive press, and a grape press.
Structural foundations were also uncovered, including one “closely related to to the Byzantine church”.
This encompasses several stones which are thought to have indicated its entrance. Archaeologists have unearthed pottery shards at the site, some dating back to the Roman period.
Tombstones inscribed in Greek and Latin were also found.
The text “exhibits several decorations and inscriptions that show clear Christian imagery and current practices”, according to Dr Al-Rawahneh’s findings. He further suggested that this indicates “an established and flourishing Christian society” was present in Tharais during that era.
Tharais is believed to have been deserted by the 7th century A. D due to a variety of factors such as earthquakes, changes in trade routes, and the shift from Byzantine to Islamic rule.
These disruptions were common and affected numerous similar settlements in the region during that time.
“These architectural elements strongly suggest that Tharais was not just a settlement, but a religious and commercial hub during the Byzantine period,” the professor added.
He emphasised that while the discovery is significant, more archaeological work is needed to gather additional information.
Dr Al-Rawahneh stated: “To fully comprehend Tharais’ specific functions, cultural practices, and historical context within the Byzantine era, further archaeological exploration is essential.”