Central Jordan in the Classical Period

Abstract

This thesis attempts to reconstruct the human landscape of the region east and southeast of the Dead Sea during the Classical Period (332 BC-AD 640). The reconstruction relies primarily on the results of four major archaeological surveys, as well as other archaeological and historical sources. The thesis also considers and discusses such factors as the natural environment, settlement patterns, and agricultural systems. The thesis develops a history of the region by examining historical events and their subsequent impact on human settlement in central Jordan. In addition, the study discusses the five "transforming factors" proposed by LaBianca as the stimuli for settlement in central Jordan. LaBianca argued that after the introduction of these stimuli, a gradual intensification of the settlement around Tell Hesban started in the Hellenistic period, continuing through the Byzantine period. Although these five factors possibly influenced settlement, this thesis argues that the presence or absence of regional security was the major factor in determining patterns of settlement in central Jordan. Based on security levels settlement was cyclical, not gradual.

This thesis is the first attempt at combining several major archaeological surveys and physical regions into one historical synthesis of central Jordan during a specific era.