We explore, study, and preserve historical and cultural resources at Khirbat Ataruz and its Vicinity.

 

We excavate Khirbat Ataruz, an ancient site that encloses one of the most magnificent Iron Age temples in the region of Levant, Middle East, one dated to about 3,000 years old. The research team also studies, surveys, and documents invaluable archaeological, historical, and cultural remains in some of Jordan’s greatest landscapes such as the Dhiban Plateau, the Wadi Mujib, and the Jabal Hamidah. For decades, these areas have been threatened by random, increased, and relentless housing development, road construction, and industrial expansion. We aim to study, discover, preserve, and protect historical and cultural resources of Khirbat Ataruz and these regions from improper development. But these goals cannot be accomplished by us alone. Find out how you can help and participate in the project.

 
Aerial View of Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by APAAME_20181014_MND-0049)

Aerial View of Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by APAAME_20181014_MND-0049)

Khirbat Ataruz, View from the North (Photo by C. Ji)

Khirbat Ataruz, View from the North (Photo by C. Ji)

Main Sanctuary Room of the Ataruz Temple (9th Century BCE; Photo by C. Ji)

Main Sanctuary Room of the Ataruz Temple (9th Century BCE; Photo by C. Ji)

Bull Statue from the Central Courtyard at Khirbat Ataruz (9th century BCE; Photo by J. Park)

Bull Storage Jar from the Main Sanctuary (9th Century BCE; Photo by J.Park)

Inscribed Altar from the Moabite Shrine in Field E (Late 9th - Early 8th Centuries BCE; Photo by C. Ji)

Inscribed Altar from the Moabite Shrine in Field E (Late 9th - Early 8th Centuries BCE; Photo by C. Ji)

Terracotta Incense Burner from the Main Sanctuary at Khirbat Ataruz (9th century BCE; Photo by J. Burnett)

Western High Place at Khirbat Ataruz (9th entury BCE; Photo by J. Park)

Cup-and-Saucer from the Moabite Shrine at Khirbat Ataruz (Late 9th-8th Centuries BCE; Photo by J. Park)

Cup-and-Saucer from the Moabite Shrine at Khirbat Ataruz (Late 9th-8th Centuries BCE; Photo by J. Park)

Bull Storage Jar from the Main Sanctuary Room (9th Century BCE; Photo by C. Moon)

Bull Storage Jar from the Main Sanctuary Room (9th Century BCE; Photo by C. Moon)

Late Hellenistic-Early Roman Bath at Khirbat Ataruz (2nd-1st Centuries BCE; Photo by C. Ji)

Late Hellenistic-Early Roman Bath at Khirbat Ataruz (2nd-1st Centuries BCE; Photo by C. Ji)

Rujm Ataruz, an Iron II Fortress Site 4 km East of Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by C. Ji)

Boz al-Mushelle (Farsh al-Mesala) and the Ancient Road to Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by C. Ji)

Boz al-Mushelle (Farsh al-Mesala) and the Ancient Road to Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by C. Ji)

The Wadi Zarqa-Main Crossing, North of Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by C. Ji)

The Wadi Zarqa-Main Crossing, North of Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by C. Ji)

Excavating Field E at Khirbat Ataruz (Photo by I. Ji)