Abstract
The first recorded visit in modern times by a European to the ruins of the Decapolis city of Gerasa was that by Seetzen in 1806. The visit was a revelation: virtually nothing had been heard about the site since the 13th century, and its actual location was substantially different to that shown on contemporary maps. Gerasa was subsequently visited by a considerable number of travellers and explorers. Of these, Schumacher is generally considered to have been the first to have recorded and mapped the ruins in detail, with results published in 1902. ln fact, the first detailed studies of the site were conducted by separate teams led by two Englishmen–William John Bankes and Charles Barry in 1816-1819–70 years before Schumacher. Not only do the plans and drawings of these two men record several unknown or poorly known structures at Gerasa they also–through their descriptions, drawings and watercolours–provide a record of structures that suffered further ruin before being more fully recorded by later scholars. Together with the records of later visitors, this archival material also provides an insight into the level of Arab occupation of the site in the 19th century before the establishment of the Circassian settlement in 1878.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Studies in the History and Archaeology of Jordan |
| Editors | Monther Jamhawi |
| Place of Publication | Amman |
| Publisher | The Department of Antiquities of Jordan |
| Pages | 279-300 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| Volume | XII |
| Publication status | Published - 2016 |
| Event | 12th International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan: Transparent Borders - Humboldt University, Berlin, Germany Duration: 5 May 2013 → 11 May 2013 https://www.topoi.org/event/12ichaj/ |
Publication series
| Name | Studies in the History and Archaeology of Jordan |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Department of Antiquities of Jordan |
Conference
| Conference | 12th International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ICHAJ |
| Country/Territory | Germany |
| City | Berlin |
| Period | 5/05/13 → 11/05/13 |
| Other | he renewed hosting of ICHAJ in Germany, only the second time and after an interruption of 27 years, is the result of continuous efforts of Germany based scholars to contribute to the exploration and to a better understanding of the extremely rich cultural heritage of Jordan. We are very proud to be able to host the conference in Berlin, and we would like to thank the Jordanian authorities, particularly the Department of Antiquities, for their continuous and friendly support and collaboration over the years, and especially in co-organizing this important event. The overall theme of the 12th International Conference on the History and Archaeology of Jordan – “Transparent Borders” – is not only of great symbolic value, but also of striking actuality. It stands for the situation of the lands east of Jordan from the earliest antiquity until the present as well as for the international networking of scholars form all over the world working on Jordan. Last but not least, “Transparent Borders” have their specific and own meaning in Berlin! In this sense we wish all of you a warm welcome in Berlin and a very successful ICHAJ 2013. |
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