House XVIII's iconic double windows at sunset (UJAP)
Recent Projects
After the site's initial comprehensive survey in 1972–73, project excavations at Umm Al-Jimāl commenced with a series of preliminary soundings in 1974 and have continued at regular intervals ever since. In the 1970s and 80s, three early field seasons emphasized excavation of the late antique town and developing an occupational history of the site. The 1984 discovery that 'Al-Herri,' a ruinous area southeast of the town, was in fact a Nabataean/Roman-era village led to further excavations in the early 1990s. Additional research on the site's cemeteries and tombs was conducted in the late 1990s. Throughout much of 2012–2014, field staff excavated and consolidated the House XVII-XVIII complex as part of ongoing conservation work. From 2015–2017, work on near the West Gate and the water system. From 2019, church excavations—primarily in the courtyard of the West Church—aim to reveal more about the relationship between religion and society.
In 2022, UJAP’s archaeological methodology and strategy shifted from the traditional small “trench/square” model to one that utilizes larger, open-area excavation.
House XVII-XVIII
Nicknamed by locals as Beit Sheikh, or the Home of the Sheikh, House XVII-XVIII is a large domestic complex in the southeast section of Byzantine-Umayyad Umm Al-Jimāl. Howard Crosby Butler, the Princeton archaeologist who first mapped Umm Al-Jimāl in 1905 and 1909, gave the structure these numbers based on his belief that the complex was two distinct domestic buildings. However, project archaeologists excavating the structure in 2012 discovered a doorway connecting both buildings and other evidence demonstrating that at one point—even if not originally—it was a single, massive complex. The complex was heavily remodeled in the Late Umayyad period, but it’s impossible to know whether these alterations indicate a change of function. It has been suggested that the complex may have been a hotel for caravans and dignitaries traveling through the region, or even an administrative center, but the archaeological and material evidence does not provide any clear answers. House XVII-XVIII may have simply remained a fine home.
Even today, fifteen hundred years after its initial construction, this remains an impressive structure to discover and explore. The Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project’s longtime icon, a beautiful double-arched window, is located in the third story eastern wall. No less than six doorways provide entry into the structure, and its largest courtyard is almost 400 square meters. A large reservoir was located under the eastern wall, which provided a comparatively high volume of water for its occupants, and the water could be drawn from within the complex.
Conservation: 2012–2014
Due to its representative feature set, size, complexity, and architectural diversity, the House XVII-XVIII complex was a prime focus for the project's current research and conservation efforts. This work is now complete, and was made possible by 2012 and 2014 grants from the US Department of State's Ambassador Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Academic publication of the grant project results is forthcoming.
For details about the process of excavating, clearing, and consolidating the site, watch the slideshow below.
The West Gate
In ancient times Umm Al-Jimāl's monumental West Gate was the town's main entrance. The gate is sometimes called the “Commodus Gate”, named after Lucius Commodus, co-ruler of Rome along with his father Marcus Aurelius from 177-180 CE, after their names were discovered on an associated dedicatory inscription. Archaeological research has confirmed the gate’s construction to the late 2nd century CE. Remains of an ancient road lead from the gate toward nearby Qasr Al-Ba’ij and the nearby via nova traiana—the major Roman highway (built along a pre-existing Nabataean route) running from Ayla/Aqaba to Bostra.
Archaeological investigation of the West Gate and its surroundings has helped uncover the story of life at Umm Al-Jimāl over several centuries. While not defensive in nature, the site’s original Roman perimeter wall connects to the gate and would have provided some security for animals and people. The gate survived Umm Al-Jimāl’s at least partial destruction in the late 3rd century rebellion of Queen Zenobia against Rome, and soon after the road leading away from the site was repaved. Later, in the 7th century CE (Late Byzantine or Umayyad periods) the road and part of the gate’s north tower were again resurfaced. This remodeling may have been part of a wider effort, which may have included the refurbishment of the Praetorium.
Conservation: 2015–2016
Today, the West Gate is the primary intersection between Umm Al-Jimāl's modern community and its ancient town. In 2015–16, a grant from the Sustainable Cultural Heritage through Engagement of Local Communities Project program by USAID and the American Center of Oriental Research enabled its conservation. These efforts were part of the Umm Al-Jimāl Archaeological Project's long-term site plan, which also included development of the West Entry area into a park with greenspace and benches that provides a gathering and rest place for community members and tourists alike.
Find out more about the process of excavating, consolidating, and conserving the Commodus Gate by viewing the slideshow below.
