Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project Field Seasons
Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project Staff photo, 1984 (UJAP)
Below is a full list of all field seasons along with a brief summary of each. A list of participants, additional information, and photographs are forthcoming.
Please note that the UJAP is in the process of creating an interactive, geo-referenced plan of all features and excavations, which will be available to the public. In the interim, please contact us if you would like more information about any of the fieldwork.
Field Seasons
1972–3
Ground-level measuring coupled with aerial survey by the Aero-Precisa company of Beirut in order to update and complete early mapping started by the Princeton University Expedition to Syria.
1974
Four small probes carried out, along with studies of surface remains and architecture.
1977
Fieldwork undertaken at the Barracks, Praetorium, Roman Temple/House 49, House XVIII, as well as the south and west perimeter walls. Commencement of a three-season survey of the region.
1981
Work continued at the Praetorium and Roman Temple/House 49 and began at the Early Castellum, the NE and E gates, the Northeast and Numerianos churches, House 92, and two dumps (Areas K and L). Investigation of the ancient water system also began, and the regional survey continued.
1984
Further work at the Numerianos Church and the early castellum. New work occurred at the Double Church, Julianos Church, and West Church. Burials and two reservoirs east of the town were investigated. Soundings identified an adjacent village.
1992
Production of detailed architectural drawings of Houses 35, 49, and 119, as well as the Praetorium. Balloon photography was conducted over the village and town.
1993
Fieldwork was conducted at House 119, in preparation for its future use as a museum and visitor center. Two cist tombs were excavated west of the town. Mapping of the village continued.
1994
Fieldwork in the village in order determine its history and relationship to the nearby Byzantine town. Investigation of cist burials in two western Continuation of architectural and epigraphic surveys.
1996
Continued work in the village and cemeteries.
1998
Continued work in the village and cemeteries.
2009
Digital documentation of the site and environment; study of modern Umm Al-Jimāl’s people, history, and culture using video and other media; and planning for site conservation as well as physical and virtual museums.
2010
Continuation of 2009 work, including the completion of the project website.
2012
Excavation, physical consolidation, and preservation of the House XVII-XVIII complex, funded by the U.S. Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Heritage (AFCP). Cultural surveys and digital multimedia documentation continued.
2014
Work continued on the House XVII-XVIII complex, funded by the AFCP, and commenced on the conservation and restoration of the site's ancient water system.
2015–16
Fieldwork and conservation of the West Gate area, funded by USAID-SCHEP, and the water system.
2017
Continued excavation and conservation of the West Gate area and the water system.
2019
Fieldwork at three churches (Julianos, West, and Southwest), and excavation of a cist burial near the village.
2022
Clearing and excavation to the east of the West Church, revealing additional rooms.
2023
Continued clearing and excavation to the east of the West Church, and two probes in the courtyard.
2024
Continued clearing and excavation to the east of the West Church, and three probes in the courtyard.
2025 & beyond
The UJAP plans to continue work at the West Church and other churches in the coming years as part of an effort to understand the social relationship between the many churches and the people of Umm Al-Jimāl.