THE SHIFTING SANDS OF TIME: ARCHAEOLOGY AND MODERN ECONOMIC PROSPECTS IN SOUTHERN JORDAN

Abstract

The Shawbak region in southern Jordan witnessed extensive habitation during the late Ottoman period, spanning from the 18th to the early 20th centuries. Among these historic settlements, Shammakh and Karak are notable examples. This study explores the ethno-archaeological implications of these villages and the available archaeological evidence to shed light on the patterns of settlement establishment, growth, and eventual abandonment in the Shawbak region over different ages.

The archaeological evidence from Shawbak suggests a complex history of settlement dynamics. The region was characterized by a sedentary way of life, with agrarian societies forming numerous villages surrounded by agricultural fields that supported both crop cultivation and animal husbandry. Preliminary surveys conducted in the area have identified more than fifteen villages that thrived during the 19th and early 20th centuries, reflecting a rich historical landscape.

These villages were typically composed of small houses, often consisting of a single room. The immediate vicinity of these settlements featured irrigated agricultural fields with a variety of fruit trees, including olives, grapes, pomegranates, and figs. Beyond these orchards lay another zone where dry farming of crops like wheat, barley, and lentils took place. This coexistence of crop cultivation and animal husbandry in the same region is indicative of a multifaceted agricultural system that sustained the local communities.

However, in contemporary times, these once-thriving villages stand as deserted relics of the past. The advent of modernity and urbanization has led to their abandonment, with former residents relocating to other towns and cities in Jordan or constructing new cement houses nearby. The contrast between the historical vitality of these villages and their current uninhabited state highlights the transformation of the region due to evolving societal and economic factors.

This study delves into the rich history and dynamics of Shawbak's villages, offering insights into the development of settlement patterns, agricultural practices, and the eventual decline of these communities. By examining the ethno-archaeological context, we gain a deeper understanding of how societies in this region adapted to their environment and thrived for centuries before being shaped by the forces of modernization.