Description
Book SynopsisAncient Landscapes of Zoara II reveals the unique set of objects discovered through the meticulous excavations at the Ghor as-Safi in Jordan. Some of them are unique works of art, but others are no less valuable for the knowledge they hold.
Complementing the previous volume Ancient Landscapes of Zoara I, this book explores Ghor as-Safi's ancient history and archaeology through the material remains found during excavations. The finds described are from historical periods and include unpublished early Christian and Aramaic inscriptions as well as Arabic writing and graffiti. Newly discovered mosaic pavements are presented along with other noteworthy finds such as glazed imported wares, local industrial pottery, fine glass, an array of coins and specialised metal work. Animal and plant remains testify to varied and rich agricultural regimes which sustained the prosperity of ancient communities. In turn, this affluence seems to have led to a fairly sophisticated and liter
Table of Contents
Part I. Material finds from the early Byzantine, Abbasid and Ayyubid-Mamluk periods; 1. The mosaic pavements; 2. Writing in Zoara: an overview of Greek, Aramaic and Arabic inscriptions; 3. Greek-inscribed tombstones: a preliminary report on the latest discoveries; 4. Early Byzantine miscellaneous objects; 5. Abbasid and Ayyubid-Mamluk miscellaneous objects; 6. Ceramics from the Nabataean to the Mamluk periods; 7. Quantification of historic-period pottery; 8. Petrographic analysis of historic-period coarse ware pottery; 9. The coins; 10 A. The glass: an overview and highlights; 10B. The glass from the Khirbat ash-Sheikh ‘Isa excavations, 2002; Part II. Environmental finds: 11. The human skeletal remains; 12. Animal-based subsistence: interim remarks; 13. Preliminary results for archaeobotanical samples from Khirbat ash-Sheikh ‘Isa; 14. Phytolith analysis: preliminary results
