Umm el‐Jimal cathedral, Jordan: inscriptions and radiocarbon dates

Abstract

The dating of churches and structures of the Umm el‐Jimal archaeological site, north‐east Jordan, is mainly based on stylistic comparison and architectural elements. An inscription dated to 451 according to the Bostra calendar, was used to date Umm el‐Jimal cathedral to AD 556. The inscription was found on the cathedral's floor near the apse and it was therefore suggested that it belongs to its arch. This research aims at examining the accuracy of this date by radiocarbon dating organic inclusions collected from the mortar of the cathedral's apse. In addition, it characterises the mortar by X‐ray diffraction and microscopic analyses. The results show that the radiocarbon dates included the date of the inscription and indicated that the inscription belongs to the cathedral and dates it correctly. The mortar samples appeared lime‐based and ashy and had a high charcoal content. The results indicate that building the cathedral was part of a general trend of increasing building activities of churches in the region between AD 550 and 650.

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