Archaeologists discover ancient 1,500-year-old town mentioned in Holy Land maps

There are few maps in the world as detailed or as old as the Madaba Mosaic Map. Created in the 6th century, it shows dozens of places in the Holy Land, some of which had never been found. Until now.

Archaeologists have recently discovered the ancient Byzantine town of Tharais in southern Jordan, after decades of research and fieldwork. The town, which is believed to be around 1,500 years old, was shown clearly on the mosaic map but its exact location had remained a mystery. That changed thanks to a team led by Dr Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh, an Associate Professor of Archaeology at Mu’tah University.

The discovery was made near the present-day village of El-ʿIrāq in the Karak Governorate.

Dr Al-Rawahneh confirmed the identity of Tharais using a mix of field surveys, historical texts, and help from local people between 2021 and 2024.

His findings were published in the latest issue of Gephyra, a peer-reviewed archaeology journal.

He believes Tharais was more than just a farming village. “The fact that it’s so prominent on the Madaba Map and the discovery of a basilica suggest it was a sacred site and a commercial rest stop,” he wrote.

The team uncovered parts of a Byzantine-style basilica, including mosaic floor fragments, a carved stone doorway, and large threshold stones similar to those used in other early Christian churches.

Surrounding the church were signs of everyday life. Archaeologists found a grape press, an olive oil press, and a watermill, showing the town was likely self-sufficient.

Pieces of pottery, stone tools, glass shards, and even fossils were also uncovered.

Some of the most telling discoveries were ancient Greek and Latin inscriptions on funerary stones.

Several date from the 5th to 7th centuries CE and include Christian symbols and phrases, confirming a Christian community lived there.

The town’s location between the Moabite Plateau and the Dead Sea made it an important stop along historic trade routes.

Dr Al-Rawahneh believes this dual role, both religious and commercial, is what made Tharais such a key place in the Byzantine era.

But like many other towns of its time, Tharais was abandoned by the 7th century.

Experts say earthquakes, climate shifts, and the political change from Byzantine to Islamic rule likely caused people to leave.

Luckily, the site lay hidden under layers of sediment, mostly untouched until now.

But experts warn that nearby urban development could put the area at risk unless it is protected.

Future digs are also expected to reveal even more about life in the ancient town.