Crossing Jordan: North American Contributions to the Archaeology of Jordan

This concise and illustrated book highlights the contributions of North American archaeologists to the archaeology of Jordan. For over 150 years, North American researchers have played a pivotal role in the exploration of Jordan, the development of archaeological methods there, and the construction of theoretical approaches to study the deep-time archaeological record of this key part of the Middle East. As the American Center of Oriental Research will host the May, 2007 10th International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan entitled Crossing Jordan in Washington, D.C. under the patronage of His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan Bin Talal, it is important that a book-length publication be printed and distributed in time for this international event. Chapters are written primarily by the archaeological expedition directors, lending the book an authoritative and 'cutting edge' view of the most recent discoveries and interpretive models of archaeology in Jordan today. By looking at the archaeology of the southern Levant through the lens of North American archaeological research in Jordan, the entire history of this crucial part of the Middle East's Fertile Crescent is highlighted - from Prehistory to Ottoman times. This richly illustrated book is the most up-to-date guide to the archaeological heritage of Jordan and an important resource for scholars, students, citizens, NGOs, embassy personnel, and tourists.