I was part of the TERRSOC ‘Reading’ Ancient Landscapes: Peasant Decision-Making and Terraced Agriculture in Central Palestine over la Longue Duree project. This year’s excavation took place in Jordan, specifically at Tell Hesban and the nearby wadi. Seeing my interest in landscape archaeology, I was assigned to the Wadi Hesban team.

The first week started with a survey of a section of the south side of Wadi Hesban. To say the vistas were breathtaking is an understatement. The landscape is dramatic, with agricultural terraces, both in use and relict, dotting the landscape. The barking of dogs and bleating of sheep and goats is an ever constant companion, and the trickle of fresh water from the local spring is a refreshing contrast to the Jordanian sun. The locals were truly friendly, as is to be expected in this region of the world. We would continue to make local connections, and be offered copious amounts of tea, throughout our time at the wadi.

Shunat Dhiab, mentioned in the 1889 traveller’s account of Major C. R. Connor, was identified atop the high grounds, with two water-driven mills of possible Ottoman date located further down the slope of the wadi. During the survey, a number of possible terrace sites for excavation and sampling were identified. After the day’s trek, preliminary Optically Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) dates from the 2024 campaign awaited us at the hotel, and these supported what is known of the occupation of the area.

The second day commenced early, as would all subsequent days. Two trenches, S3 and S4, were opened behind a terrace wall located close to Shunat Dhiab. The work was hard, but always rewarding, and the vistas made the daily trek up to the site worth the effort. The trenches would continue to be excavated in the next three days, reaching depths of around two metres. Sampling commenced on trench S3 on day four. Samples for various analyses, such as soil biomarkers, OSL dating, soil texture, and microbotanical analysis, were collected. On day five, due to the absence of two of the team members, it was decided to postpone sampling of trench S4 to the second week of excavations. Thus, day five saw the opening of trench S5 lower down the slope of the wadi, below a terrace wall located close to the presumed older of the two water-driven mills. By the end of the day, the trench had reached over a meter in depth.

Week two continued in much the same vein. The first day commenced with the sampling of trench S4, with another OSL sample being taken from trench S3. At trench S5, the first OSL sample was taken from under the terraced wall. Day two saw the continuation of sampling in trench S5. One of the team members also commenced a survey of the high ground of the wadi around Shunat Dhiab. Several other structural remains, architectural fragments, and rock cut features had been observed in the area during the first week, and these were mapped via GPS points. The day ended with a search for a possible location for trench S6. Two potential sites were identified further down the wadi slope in an area that is actively cultivated. Day three commenced with photogrammetry of trench S5, which was eventually followed by drone flights to photograph the area of the wadi under investigation, creating an orthophotograph. Trench S6 was also opened after discussions with the landowner, who was more than willing to allow us to investigate and dig along the terraced walls of his field. On day 4, the final day at the wadi, trench S6 was completed, documented, and sampled.

It was undoubtedly a rewarding two weeks, though the rugged terrain and steep slopes did make the going quite tough at times. The views at the wadi were a reward in themselves, and few things could beat the sight of the sun still rising over the wadi at 6 am. The hospitable and helpful nature of the locals was also without measure, and in part, the successful completion of these two weeks could not have been possible without the Jordanian locals.

The experience was undoubtedly illuminating and fulfilling. It gave me the opportunity to work closely with individuals from different countries and experience Jordanian culture and hospitality. The multi-cultural aspect of the team was truly an experience I will hold dear to me. I have also gained further hands-on experience, and especially important to me was the landscape element and the sampling of soil for various scientific tests. Sampling for OSL was particularly illuminating, with the need to ensure the sample was not exposed to light.

Joshua Micallef has pursued various careers, including in the financial services sector and software testing. As of 2020, he studied at the University of Malta, attaining a BA in Archaeology (Hons) with Geography, and​ is currently reading for an MA Asian Studies: Islamic Archaeology at the University of Bonn. His main area of interest lies in the Medieval period of the Central Mediterranean.

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