Khirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr
Khirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr · Mudayna Thawr
Iron Age II (1000–600 BCE)·Moabite Iron Age·🇯🇴 Karak Governorate, Mujib–Karak Plateau, Jordan
About
About Khirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr
Khirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr in Karak Governorate, Mujib–Karak Plateau, Jordan is a Iron Age II (1000–600 BCE) fortified-city of Moabite Iron Age tradition. Intact Moabite walled town on Mujib canyon rim, 800 m elevation. 2 km circuit, 6 gates, 100 houses. Excavations since the mid-20th c. expose casemate wall with limestone ashlar faces, rubble fill, roof beams architecture with diagnostic ceramics, lithics and administrative finds. Archaeobotany and radiocarbon anchor the sequence, informing regional Moabite Iron Age networks across the Karak Governorate.
Threats include erosion, grazing, looting; research continues on Moabite Iron Age chronology.
Why it mattersType-site for Moabite Iron Age Iron Age II (1000–600 BCE) in Karak Governorate, Mujib–Karak Plateau; key for chronology, technology and interaction.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Chronology of Moabite Iron Age 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.1000 BCE
- Period
- Iron Age II (1000–600 BCE)
- Culture
- Moabite Iron Age
- Purpose
- Intact Moabite walled town on Mujib canyon rim, 800 m elevation
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.1000 BCE
Initial construction / first occupation
c.1200 BCE
Major expansion / fortification phase
20th c.
Systematic excavation begins
On the ground
Structures & features
31.3800° N · 35.8500° E · 860 m · 3 mapped features
Khirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr — Citadel Gate
gateMonumental gate with stone socle and mudbrick superstructure
31.3806° N · 35.8506° EKhirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr — Palace/Barracks
palaceAshlar or timber-laced administrative building
31.3796° N · 35.8505° EKhirbet al-Mudayna ath-Thawr — Lower Town
settlementExtramural lower town with workshop quarter
31.3792° N · 35.8492° E