Field Research at Tūwāneh and Da’jāniya, South Jordan: Season 2022

Abstract

This report summarises the results of field research conducted in October 2022 as part of the ArTu-DTu – The Archaeological Study of Da’jāniya & Tūwāneh, South Jordan project. The project focused on the sites of Tūwāneh and Da’jāniya, where a research team from the Jagiellonian University and AGH University of Kraków conducted excavations, geophysical surveys and analysis of looting damage. In Tūwāneh, excavations were carried out in the bath complex, documenting the architectural remains and stratigraphy associated with the site’s use and abandonment. Additionally, geophysical prospection was performed in selected areas adjacent to the so-called “caravanserai”, uncovering subsurface structures potentially linked to the complex. The team also systematically recorded Arabic graffiti on the walls of the caravanserai, preserving contemporary marks of local cultural heritage. In Da’jāniya, geophysical surveys aimed to locate remnants of a vicus surrounding the Roman fort, potentially shedding light on civilian settlement patterns near military installations. The report provides insights into the stratigraphy, architectural elements and temporal analysis of looting activity at the site, contributing valuable data on settlement dynamics and heritage conservation challenges in the region.

Keywords

• archaeological survey
• cultural heritage preservation
• geophysical prospection
• limes arabicus
• roman archaeology