Systematic academic research at Umm el-Jimal stretches back over a century to early archaeological surveys completed by the Princeton University Expedition to Southern Syria. The Umm el-Jimal web library aims to centralize the growing body of academic publications, non-academic essays, bibliographies, and other written work on the site and its surroundings. Selected publications are available for download in Adobe portable document (.pdf) format. Roll over the article titles for a detailed description and click on the image to download the file.
“Research at Umm el-Jimal, Jordan, 1972-1977.”
Biblical Archaeologist 42(1): 49-55.
Bert de Vries, 1979.
A brief discussion of the first three field seasons of archaeological research at Umm el-Jimal. (The 1972 architectural survey mapped the entire site to update Butler’s Princeton expedition of 1905 and 1909. The 1974 preliminary excavations verified occupation periods and provided a ceramic corpus. The 1977 excavations examined key structures.) Also outlines the widespread use of corbeling for ceilings, roofs, and stairways among the town’s basalt architecture, as well as the site’s extensive water engineering system for people and agriculture. Includes architectural photographs and survey plans.
“The 1993 and 1994 Seasons at Umm al Jimal.” Annual of the Department of Antiquities of Jordan XXXIX: 421-435.
Bert de Vries,
1995.
Field report of the goals, procedures, and findings of the 1993 and 1994 seasons at Umm el-Jimal. Describes site preparation and consolidation leading up to 1993, and follows the excavation of a domestic complex, House 119, in preparation for its transformation into a museum and visitor center. Notes 1994 work, including: completion of visitor center plans, excavation of late antiquity burials, investigation of the Nabataean and Roman village, and survey of architectural fragments and inscriptions. Includes work and detail photographs, House 119 plan and elevation, and tourist center drawings.
Umm el-Jimal: A Frontier Town and its Landscape in Northern Jordan. Volume 1. Journal of Roman Archaeology Supplementary Series 26.
Bert de Vries,
1998.
First volume of three in the series, focusing on fieldwork at Umm el-Jimal from 1972 to 1981. Includes reports on a regional study using maps and aerial photography; architectural survey results from 1972-1973; completed excavations of the castellum, Praetorium, and House XVIII; as well as associated ceramics, coins, and animal bones. Serves as a general introduction to the site and project. Multiple authors, with references throughout and a variety of photographs, maps, plans, and other drawings.
Chapter Four: “Location, Plan, and Design of the Late Antique Town,” by Bert de Vries
Chapter Six: “The Later Castellum (Barracks),” S. Thomas Parker
Chapter Nine: “The Roman Praetorium and its Later Domestic Re-use,” Robin Brown
Chapter Ten: “A Large Residence (House XVIII),” Robin Brown
Chapter Fourteen: “Towards a History of Umm el-Jimal in Late Antiquity,” Bert de Vries
“Continuity and Change in the Urban Character of the Southern Hauran from the 5th to the 9th Century: The Archaeological Evidence at Umm el-Jimal.” Mediterranean Archaeologist 13: 39-45.
Bert de Vries,
2000.
“Paradox of Power: Between Local and Imperial at Umm el-Jimal.” In Crossing Jordan: North American Contributions to the Archaeology of Jordan. London: Equinox.
Bert de Vries,
2007.
Investigates the cultural history of Umm el-Jimal as it related to imperial centers and surrounding settlements. Introduces ‘the paradox of power’ concept to illustrate the multi-directional flows of influence between the site and powers like Rome—bridging tendencies to assert either empire or local culture as predominant. Discusses recent research on Umm el-Jimal from this integrative perspective, viewing the town as a center in its own right among regional influences. Includes architectural and inscription photographs.
Explores the growth and transition of Umm el-Jimal from the 5th to 9th centuries AD, during which surges in construction and refurbishment transformed the town’s internal material culture from Roman/Byzantine to early Islamic without changing its basic architecture. Addresses the relative lack of Roman-era monumental design and gridded town plan, emphasizing the influence of pragmatic design from a blend of regional traditions. Argues that Umm el-Jimal in later centuries is a clear example of regional Umayyad and Abbasid culture, and is the proximate context of contemporary desert castles. Includes survey plans, site photographs, and detail images.
