The fourth volume of final publications from the Danish-German Jerash Northwest Quarter Project has been published. The two-part volume provides a comprehensive presentation of Jerash’s rich building heritage from the Late Hellenistic period up to the city’s destruction in the mid-eighth century AD through a discussion of architectural elements, together with analysis of the mosaics, wall paintings, and building ceramics excavated.

As well as providing a general overview of the Gerasa’s changing patterns of habitation, the contributions in the new volume also include close case studies and object biographies that shed new light on the intense use, reuse, and recycling of materials. These all testify to evolving urban practices and optimization of resources across the Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic periods. The new publication is edited by Professor Achim Lichtenberger and Professor and Centre Director Rubina Raja, who are also the directors of the Danish-German Jerash Northwest Quarter Project.

Excavations in the Northwest Quarter of Jerash and full-quantification strategy

Between 2011 and 2016, the Danish-German Jerash Northwest Quarter Project conducted excavations in the Northwest Quarter of the ancient Decapolis city Gerasa in northern Jordan. Covering about 4 hectares, the Northwest Quarter is the highest point within the walled ancient city.

Throughout the excavations, the Danish-German team worked with a full-quantification strategy. This strategy is based on documentation of all finds in order to ensure holistic and transparent workflows throughout the campaigns. Furthermore, this strategy provides several interesting possibilities for further work with the material, as the project has already shown on numerous occasions.

The new volume is the latest in a series of books that represent the team’s final results. In total, eight volumes are planned with Brepols Publishers.

Full reference: 

Lichtenberger, A. & Raja, R. (eds.) (2022). Architectural Elements, Wall Paintings, and Mosaics. Final Publications from the Danish-German Jerash Northwest Quarter Project IV, Jerash Papers 9, Turnhout.

For more information:

The Danish-German Jerash Northwest Quarter Project
Full list of publications of the Danish-German Jerash Northwest Quarter Project
Brepols Publishers