The Tall Madaba Archaeological Project: Investigations of Early Urban Life in the Highlands of Jordan

"The Tell Madaba Archaeological Project (TMAP) is a multidisciplinary research project investigating the early development of urbanism and urban institutions in the ancient Near East. It is part of an ongoing international research effort to create a regional database that will permit comprehensive analysis of the adaptive strategies and social institutions developed by human communities in the semi-arid Highlands of central Jordan, a geographical area distinguished by its climatic variability and environmental diversity.The site is situated within the modern city of Madaba, located 30 km southwest of Amman amidst the fertile plains of the Central Jordanian Plateau, forming a continuous urban tradition that can be traced back in time at least 5,000 years. The ancient settlement consists of a large low-lying tell and acropolis (approximately 16 ha in area at the base and 9 ha at the summit) that sits atop a natural rise created by branches of the Wadi Madaba as it winds southward, eventually emptying into the cavernous Zerqa Ma''in. Surrounding the tell, but primarily to the north, are the remains of the classical town, represented most notably by the churches and mosaic pavements which have brought Madaba such fame..."