Iron Age

There is hardly anywhere on either side of the River Jordan where it is possible to explore the continuous history of the southern Levant in such a concentrated area as in the Wādī al-Arab. This deeply incised valley with all its diversity is an archaeological stroke of fortune. Numerous springs, fertile soil and a temperate climate afford excellent living conditions. As the only prominent natural elevation in the lower Wādī al-Arab, Tall Zirā‘a dominates the valley. Continuously occupied for at least 5,000 years, it offers unique insights into the way of life of the region’s people. Its outstanding archaeological significance results from the artesian spring in its centre, which created optimal settlement conditions over thousands of years. For this reason, Tall Zirā‘a offers a unique opportunity to compile a comparative stratigraphy for northern Jordan from the Early Bronze Age right through to the Islamic period. This volume presents the Iron Age and Persian strata 13 to 9 of Tall Zirā‘a. They represent the occupation of the tall from the end of the Late Bronze Age/Iron Age transition until the Persian Period. Included are pottery plates from strata 16 to 9.