After decades of research and field surveys, archaeologists have finally discovered the ancient Byzantine town of Tharais in southern Jordan. This find promises to reveal new insights into early Christian communities in the region. Led by Dr. Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh, an ᴀssociate Professor of Archaeology at Mu’tah University, the excavation was conducted near the current village of El-ʿIrāq in the Karak Governorate.

A general view of the site. Credit: M. R. Al-Rawahneh

The discovery was facilitated by the Madaba Mosaic Map, a sixth-century mosaic inside the Greek Orthodox Church of St. George in Madaba. The ancient map, one of the world’s oldest surviving maps of the Holy Land, had long mentioned Tharais, but its location had remained unknown until now.

In an article published in Gephyra, Dr. Al-Rawahneh explained how his team determined the site between 2021 and 2024 using field surveys, historical records, and local knowledge. He stated that the fact that Tharais is so dominant on the Madaba Map and the discovery of a basilica church building suggest that it was not only an agricultural village but also a sacred site and commercial rest stop.

Al-Karak (Xaplaxwßa/ Kyriakoplis), Ἀi (Ἀiy/ ἈίA), Zoar (Zoopa/Zoora/ Zoara), and Tharais (Θαραίς), on the Madaba Mosaic Map. Credit: M. R. Al-Rawahneh

The archaeologists uncovered evidence of a Byzantine basilica-type church, including fragments of mosaic floors, a rectangular stone doorway, and threshold stones that are comparable to those of other Byzantine religious buildings. The site around the church also featured an olive oil press, a grape press, and a watermill, indicating that the village was economically independent.

The stones of the main entrance frame of the church. Credit: M. R. Al-Rawahneh

Other artifacts included pieces of pottery, stone materials, glᴀss fragments, and fossils, indicating occupation from the Roman period through the early Islamic era. Greek and Latin funerary inscriptions were also found, some of which date from the fifth to seventh centuries CE, which Dr. Al-Rawahneh said “may include Christian imagery and references.” These inscriptions confirm the existence of Christians in the area.

The location of Tharais between the Moabite Plateau and the southeastern edge of the ᴅᴇᴀᴅ Sea positioned it as a strategically placed location along trade routes connecting Zoar (present-day Ghor es-Safi) with central Jordan. Dr. Al-Rawahneh believes that this dual religious-commercial role elevated Tharais into an important community in the Byzantine era.

A cylindrical stone of the olive oil press, or for grinding grains. Credit: M. R. Al-Rawahneh

According to the analysis, the town was likely abandoned by the 7th century CE due to earthquakes, climatic changes, and the transition from Byzantine to Islamic rule. Though abandoned, the remains were largely intact beneath sediment cover and lay undisturbed until recently rediscovered.

A stone olive press. Credit: M. R. Al-Rawahneh

Earlier scholarly attempts had mislocated Tharais, but the increasing amounts of Byzantine pottery and building remains near El-ʿIrāq led to the discovery. However, the future of the site could be at risk. With more modern urbanization encroaching on El-ʿIrāq, archaeologists fear historic evidence will be lost.

Ongoing surveys and future excavations promise to uncover still more about the everyday life, trade networks, and religious practices of this former town.

More information: Al-rawahneh, M. (2025). Identification Tharais: Rediscovering a Byzantine Archaeological Site on the Madaba Mosaic Map. Gephyra, 29, 189-203. doi:10.37095/gephyra.1556742