Rediscovery of Byzantine City Offers Fresh Insights into Middle Eastern Christianity

Recent archaeological work has potentially revealed the long-lost city of Tarais, shedding light on the history of Christianity in the Middle East. Musalam R. Al Rawane, an associate professor of archaeology at Muta University in Jordan, reported his findings in the journal Gephyra earlier this year.

Guided by an ancient map from Madaba, Al Rawane pinpointed a site near the Jordanian village of El Iraq, in an area known as Ain Al-Qala’a. While the exact location had faded from historical records, historians recognize its strategic importance along a trade route leading to the southeast Dead Sea region.

During excavations, Al Rawane and his team uncovered various artifacts, including ceramic fragments, stone tools, and remnants of glass. Among the architectural ruins discovered was a Byzantine church. When asked about the most notable finds, Al Rawane highlighted both the church and an olive oil press as particularly significant.

The church, described by historians as “basilica style,” contained pieces of mosaic flooring typical of Byzantine Christian sites. Al Rawane noted, “It reflects Byzantine designs with what remains of prominent entrances and decorative features.”

The team also came across several inscriptions which could possibly relate to ancient funerary practices. Al Rawane suggested, “These might include Christian symbols and references,” but further research is needed to decipher their meanings.

As for how Tarais became “lost,” Al Rawane explained that the area was likely abandoned by the seventh century, based on archaeological findings. Experts suggest factors such as shifts in trade routes, earthquakes, and environmental changes might have contributed to this abandonment. Additionally, the transition from Byzantine to Islamic rule during that time could have played a role.

Further investigations are ongoing, with plans to survey the surrounding areas and analyze the artifacts found. Al Rawane expressed hope that this work will deepen the understanding of Tarais and its significance within the broader context of Byzantine archaeology in Jordan.

Interestingly, the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire, flourished from 330 AD until the 15th century, marking a significant era in history.

Meanwhile, discoveries related to the Byzantine era continue to surface across Asia and the Middle East, including a 1,600-year-old mosaic recently unveiled in Israel and the recent finding of a Byzantine tomb complex in Syria.