The primary objective of the 2023 project was the conservation of the walls and installations in the main sanctuary room, initially excavated between 2000 and 2005. In addition, the team worked to develop a comprehensive, long-term conservation plan for the entire site. Simultaneously, the team undertook site cleanup, surveys, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) work, and construction of a demarcation wall between the excavated areas and the modern cemetery to the west. The demarcation wall was designed to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape using materials gathered during previous seasons.

Site Assessment for Conservation

In collaboration with SELA, the project team conducted a thorough survey of the excavated fields to identify any signs of deterioration or damage. Thanks to the team's meticulous preservation efforts over the past two decades, the preliminary assessment revealed no significant damage or severe deterioration to the walls or excavated areas at the end of each field season.

Within a few weeks, the SELA team will provide the project with a detailed report of their comprehensive assessment, including recommendations for the site's long-term conservation. Once the Ataruz project team receives this report, it will be reviewed and promptly shared with the Department of Antiquities to ensure the site’s ongoing protection and preservation.

Conservation of the Iron II Temple Room (RA01)

In collaboration with SELA, the project team began conservation efforts on an Iron Age temple room (RA01) in Field A by removing aging cement mortar and replacing it with a more suitable lime mortar, identified after extensive testing of various mortar types. Although the temple has remained intact, mainly since its excavation nearly 20 years ago, SELA recommended replacing the old cement with lime mortar to preserve the site better.

During the 2023 season, conservation work focused on the walls of Room RA01. The primary objective was to refine the lime mortar mix and application techniques and produce a sample and a detailed plan for use in future field seasons. The intervention included cleaning the wall surface, removing the cement mortar from previous interventions, and applying lime mortar. Because the original wall was dry-laid, the new mortar was applied deeply between the stones to maintain the wall’s authentic appearance.

In addition, SELA will conduct a hands-on, on-site training project to equip Jordanian workmen with theoretical and practical knowledge of preserving Khirbat Ataruz. During the training, the participant will gain essential skills in assessing the state of conservation of architectural features, implementing safety measures, and carrying out mortar repair. This 2023 conservation initiative represents the first step in a site-wide preservation effort, employing consistent methods that will continue in subsequent seasons.

Site Clean-up, Surface Survey, and Backfilling

The project team diligently removed weeds and debris from all excavated areas, including the Iron II remains in Fields A and E, the monumental staircase in Field G, and the eastern and western city gates in Fields D and G, respectively. During this cleanup, team members also conducted a site survey, documenting and sketching visible surface features. While clearing surface stones, the team collected scattered pottery sherds for further analysis, enhancing their understanding of the material culture associated with the site’s surface.

 As part of ongoing conservation efforts, the team focused on a specific area adjacent to the E1:L30 wall in Square E1, initially excavated in 2010. Removing a section of soil exposed the wall’s precise course, facilitating its preservation and clarifying its relationship with Wall 17 in Square E8. This strategic cleanup will inform a more comprehensive conservation plan for the wall. Following the cleanup, the floor of the room east of the E1:L30 wall was backfilled to a depth of 70 cm below the wall tops, ensuring stability and safeguarding the area for future research and exploration.

3D Modeling of the Acropolis

A primary objective of our GPS site survey involved generating 3D models and images of specific sections within the acropolis and temple complex. We aimed to create detailed profiles of each area, enabling us to develop working models for analysis and visually represent where significant finds were unearthed across the site. We are pleased to report on the successful capture and processing of 3D models for every section of the acropolis. These individual scans were combined to create a comprehensive macro-level model of the temple complex, incorporating data from the broader site excavations.

Expanding our 3D modeling efforts southeastward, we also focused on Field G, where we collected high-resolution images of selected sections. This included the staircase in the south-southeastern area, ascending west-northwest toward the acropolis, and other notable features, such as the southern dry moat and installations along the site's western edge.

Survey of the City Defense System

A further objective of our site survey was to examine the defensive dry moat encircling Ataruz thoroughly. Although several sections had been documented previously, the team aimed to trace the moat’s entire course by gathering GPS coordinates for visible and partially obscured areas. This effort allowed us to capture the most apparent traces of the moat and produce 3D models to visualize our findings. We have also begun creating a map that uses color coding to indicate each section’s level of clarity and certainty, allowing us to confidently track the moat’s trajectory on all four sides of the site.

In parallel, we sought to establish a spatial relationship between the dry moat and the city walls. Using similar methods, we collected GPS coordinates at reliably identifiable wall segments and those less clearly defined. Analyzing this spatial connection increased our confidence in identifying portions of the lower defensive walls. We have begun making maps that highlight these walls, employing color-coding according to the degree of certainty in their identification. During this process, we also noted a few potential entrances or access points into Ataruz. We have identified an installation that might have functioned as a gateway on the western side. On the southwestern side, we discovered what may be defensive installations flanking another potential entry point. These observations have led us to several new hypotheses regarding the city’s defensive strategies.

By clarifying the layout and function of the defensive moat, the city walls, and possible entry points, we gain a deeper understanding of Ataruz’s urban design and the strategic measures its ancient inhabitants employed. These findings enrich our appreciation of the site’s historical significance and shed new light on the sophisticated defensive systems that once protected Ataruz.

Survey of the Eastern Slope

As part of our comprehensive site survey, we focused on clarifying the relationship of the stepped-stone sequence running roughly south-north along the eastern slope. Although much of the east side has been damaged or altered by erosion and later constructions, previous work has yielded important discoveries, removing the earlier architectural remains. Earlier excavations revealed scattered sections in Field G that appear to form an Iron IIA staircase ascending westward toward the acropolis and temple complex.

Our team meticulously recorded elevations and orientations of the surviving step courses and pieced these data together to understand the staircase’s width and span better. While complete rows of steps remain elusive, we formulated a plausible interpretation of how the uncovered sections fit together. To illustrate these findings, we generated 3D models showcasing the relationship and orientation of the best-preserved segments.

We are now creating a map integrating elevation data and the varying orientations of these step sequences. In addition, we are considering how to incorporate Ground-Penetrating Radar (GPR) results into our analysis, particularly for areas that have been damaged or remain unexcavated. This integrated approach will help refine our understanding of the site’s architectural features.

Overall, this investigation illuminates the significance and function of the stepped-stone sequence on the eastern slope. By capturing and analyzing the available evidence, we expand our knowledge of the site’s layout and the ancient population that used these staircases.

GPR Survey

During the project, ground-penetrating radar (GPR) was employed to guide the interpretation and planning of archaeological excavations at Ataruz. A 400-MHz bistatic antenna was used continuously, typically acquiring profiles in two orthogonal directions spaced 0.25 m apart. The listening time was set at 50 ns, corresponding to a depth of approximately 1.94 m (assuming a dielectric constant of 15 or a velocity of roughly 0.077 m/ns). Each scan contained 1024 samples, with 36 scans collected per meter. GPS coordinates for the four corners of each survey grid were recorded using a Garmin Montana 700 receiver.

Throughout the project, six 3D GPR surveys were carried out: (1) an open field just north of the open excavation squares (11 × 16 m) on June 29–30; (2) north of Square E8 (5 × 18 m) on July 2; (3) north of Square E7 (6 × 14 m) on July 3; (4) north of the open squares on the northwestern edge of the site (4 × 12 m) on July 4; (5) the steep, east-dipping slope east of the excavated site, covering a possible series of stone steps (4 × 7 m) on July 5; and (6) a survey downhill from the western border of the site, west of the cemetery’s western edge (4 × 10 m) on July 6.

The collected GPR data were interpolated into 3D volumes, facilitating visualization through vertical cross-sections, horizontal slice maps, and depth slices of the subsurface. Signal penetration was excellent, reaching depths of about 1.5 m (again assuming a dielectric constant of 15 or a velocity of roughly 0.077 m/ns). Initial analysis revealed reflection and diffraction patterns that may correspond to buried walls or cavities, with some surveys capturing large clusters of robust diffraction signals.

One notable survey, conducted on July 4, documented pronounced diffraction or scattering from a linear feature buried at approximately 0.8 m (assuming a dielectric constant of 15) and extending about 2 m north-south within the 3D volume. Karstification in the limestone bedrock beneath the site may create localized anomalies in the GPR imagery. This was confirmed through a test GPR 2D profile performed directly over a known cave just downhill (east) of the July 5 3D survey area.

Site Management for Safety and Visitors

To address site management needs while safeguarding the integrity of the archaeological remains, the project team constructed a demarcation wall using stones and debris from between Field A and the modern cemetery. About 30 meters of this wall have been completed, and work will resume in 2024 to extend it along the planned perimeter.

Designed to balance visitor access with site preservation, the demarcation wall delineates the excavated archaeological remains from the cemetery, thus maintaining the site’s integrity. It also allows visitors to observe the excavated areas alongside the wall, allowing them to appreciate the archaeological discoveries without entering the excavation zones.

This site management strategy prioritizes visitor engagement and cultural heritage protection. It ensures visitors experience the site’s rich history while minimizing potential damage or disruption to the excavated areas. As a practical and effective solution, the demarcation wall enhances overall site management and enriches the visitor experience.

Summary

In summary, the 2023 Ataruz project made significant strides in surveying, conserving, and managing the Ataruz archaeological site. The team deepened our understanding of this site’s cultural and historical importance by conducting thorough surveys, cleanup, and conservation. The conservation of the main sanctuary room and the development of a long-term conservation plan ensure that future generations can appreciate the site’s integrity. Advanced methodologies, such as ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and 3D modeling, yielded insights into the site’s layout, defensive systems, and architectural features. Meanwhile, constructing a demarcation wall and implementing thoughtful site management strategies ensure a careful balance between visitor access and the protection of cultural heritage. Overall, the 2023 Ataruz project exemplifies dedicated research and preservation efforts, illuminating this ancient settlement's rich history and archaeological treasures.