WELCOME

Welcome to Tall Hisban—witness to global history and window on daily life in Jordan through the ages! Here excavators have un-earthed traces of multiple civilizations and empires; a thriving market town from the time of the Assyrians, Babylonians and Persians; large quantities of amphora jars containing tiny fish bones attesting strong local demand for garum—a fermented fish sauce condiment that was an essential flavor in ancient Greek and Roman cooking; the expertly shaped masonry foundations of a Roman public building; the apse, pillar foundations and partial sections of several mosaic floor panels of two Byzantine basilica churches; and the private residence and bath (hamam) of the Mamluk governor of this part of Jordan during the 14th century AD. Just as important are evidences of daily life through the ages attested in the large quantity of pots used for storing and preparing food; the thousands of skeletal fragments of sheep, goats, cattle, horses, mules, poultry and even fish; and the use and re-use of domestic buildings, courtyards, water channels and cisterns.

This website is a complete resource for researchers, students, visitors and tour guides. It highlights the ancient time-capsule of Tall Hisban, provides an introduction to the archaeological digs at Tall Hisban, and details the curriculum of our Field School.