Khirbat Um al Diba

Slipping through time, let’s journey to Khirbat Um al Diba. Here in Amman, nestled beside the American Center of Research in Tla’ al-Ali, lies a hidden gem. Khirbat Um al Diba whispers tales of ancient farmers and fortified walls. Originally surveyed in the 1970s, Khirbat Um al Diba, also known as Khirbet Salameh, began to reveal its secrets. Excavations in the 1980s and 1990s, led by individuals like Cherie Lenzen, Allison McQuitty, and Pierre Bikai, brought the site’s rich history to light. Imagine Khirbat Um al Diba in the Hellenistic period, a bustling agricultural settlement overlooking a fertile valley. This agricultural hub thrived as early as the 3rd century BC. The site’s most prominent feature is a unique, well-preserved Roman period structure. Dating back to the 2nd century AD, this fortified square building, constructed primarily of limestone, measures 24 by 24 meters. Khirbat Um al Diba continued to be used, even repurposed, through the Byzantine and early Islamic periods. Picture the main gate, facing east towards the life-giving water and fertile lands. Fourteen rooms are arranged around an inner courtyard. This layout offered both protection and community to the inhabitants of Khirbat Um al Diba. Recent efforts have breathed new life into Khirbat Um al Diba. In 2020 and 2021, preservation work, including buttressing fragile areas, covering holes, and building a protective wall, ensured the site’s future. Even a staircase with handrails was added for visitor safety. The final stage involved stabilizing open holes, covering wells and silos, and installing a lighting system. Trees planted around the perimeter now protect Khirbat Um al Diba from encroachment. Today, thanks to augmented reality and virtual tours created in 2021 and 2022, Khirbat Um al Diba is more accessible than ever. These technological advancements allow visitors to interact with the site and understand its historical significance. Download the app from your app store and experience Khirbat Um al Diba in a whole new way. As we leave Khirbat Um al Diba, we carry with us a deeper appreciation for the lives lived within these ancient walls. This site serves as a powerful reminder of Jordan’s rich agricultural heritage.