Dhiban (Dibon, Tell Dhiban)
Dhiban · Dibon · Mesha
Bronze Age – Islamic (3000 BCE–1400 CE)·Moabite·🇯🇴 Madaba Governorate, Mujib Plateau, Jordan
About
About Dhiban (Dibon, Tell Dhiban)
Dhiban (Dibon, Tell Dhiban) in Madaba Governorate, Mujib Plateau, Jordan is a Bronze Age – Islamic (3000 BCE–1400 CE) tell of Moabite tradition. Moabite capital Dibon of King Mesha, Mesha Stele find-spot. 3000 BCE, the site forms a stratified mound/karst tell 10 ha, iron age city wall 6 m thick, nabataean–roman. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose limestone iron age casemate wall 6 m, moabite palace, nabataean reservoir architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds.
Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Moabite networks across the Madaba Governorate. Threats include agricultural encroachment, erosion, road; research continues on Moabite chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Moabite Bronze Age – Islamic (3000 BCE–1400 CE) in Madaba Governorate, Mujib Plateau; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Moabite levels?
- 02Function of extramural cemetery?
Theories
- 01Demic diffusion vs local adoption
- 02Ritual aggregation centre
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.3000 BCE
- Period
- Bronze Age – Islamic (3000 BCE–1400 CE)
- Culture
- Moabite
- Purpose
- Moabite capital Dibon of King Mesha, Mesha Stele find-spot
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.3000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
31.4989° N · 35.7856° E · 780 m · 3 mapped features
Dhiban (Dibon, Tell Dhiban) — Central Mound
tellCentral mound with stratified architecture Levels I–IV
31.4993° N · 35.7861° EDhiban (Dibon, Tell Dhiban) — Lower Town Workshop
workshopWorkshop/midden with pottery, slag or lithics
31.4983° N · 35.7850° EDhiban (Dibon, Tell Dhiban) — Cemetery/Gate
cemeteryExtramural cemetery or gate area
31.4991° N · 35.7848° E