Town of Nebo Archaeological Project

Location: Madaba, MD, JO

Season: June 12, 2019 to July 21, 2019

Application Deadline: February 15, 2019

Deadline Type: Exact date

Website: http://www.townofneboproject.com/

Program Type:
Field school, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
no

Affiliation:
Wilfrid Laurier University, Waterloo, ON, Canada

Project Director:
Debra Foran, Assistant Professor, Department of Archaeology and Heritage Studies, Wilfrid Laurier University

Project Description:

Students will participate in the Khirbat al-Mukhayyat Archaeological Project, a multidisciplinary research project investigating the importance of trade, religion, and landscape for ancient societies.  Khirbat al-Mukhayyat is located 9 km northwest of the city of Madaba (which is where students and staff will be residing).  The site consists of a small acropolis and a lower town that extends to the north and south.  Three Byzantine churches, dating to the 6^th century, have been excavated at the site, indicating the presence of a prosperous community here in Late Antiquity.  Previous survey work at the site has also revealed the presence of a substantial Iron Age (9^th-8^th century BCE) settlement.  The Khirbat al-Mukhayyat Archaeological Project is committed to not only uncovering the occupational history of the site but also to situate the ancient town within the larger economic and religious framework of this region.  An extensive study of the landscape surrounding Khirbat al-Mukhayyat will be undertaken in order to pursue these broader research objectives.

Period(s) of Occupation: Late Neolithic, Iron Age, Hellenistic Period

Notes:
The 2019 excavation season will concentrate on the deposits of ritual offerings associated with the Hellenistic (2nd-1st centuries BCE) defensive installations at the site. We will also be investigating the Iron Age (8th-7th centuries BCE) occupation at the site and its association with defensive buildings located nearby. A survey will also be conducted in conjunction with the excavations. This survey will be exploring a number of Late Neolithic sites located in the valleys to the west of the site.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 6 weeks

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: none

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students participating in the field school will reside together with the project staff in dormitory-style living arrangements. Students should bring their own toiletries. Electrical current runs at 220 volts and outlets are rare, so appliances such as blow dryers, curling irons and electric shavers will be of limited use. Students will have access to hand-washing laundry facilities. Food for all meals will be provided. Second breakfast is offered on-site each morning as well as a prepared lunch when the site work is finished for the day; students are responsible for first breakfast and supper but may prepare these meals using the well-stocked kitchens available. Vegan diets cannot be accommodated. Cost: approximately $500 USD per week

Academic Credit:
1.0 credit (equivalent to 2 12-week semesters or a course that would run from September to April) credits offered by Wilfrid Laurier University. Tuition is approximately $1,200 USD.