Khirbet es-Samra, Archaeological site in Mafraq Governorate, Jordan.
Khirbet es-Samra is an archaeological site in Mafraq Governorate that contains the remains of eleven churches with mosaic floors and a Roman fortress. The excavations have uncovered numerous buildings and structures spanning multiple historical periods.
Excavations began at the site in 1981 through the Ecole Biblique and revealed Byzantine churches dating to the 7th century alongside a Roman military complex. The findings demonstrate continuous settlement in the region from Roman times into the early Islamic period.
The mosaic floors in the churches show how religious spaces were decorated and valued by the people who built them. Walking through the ruins, you notice how carefully the communities invested in these gathering places.
The site sits in a dry climate with ruins exposed to open skies, so proper sun protection and clothing are essential during your visit. It is best to explore the remains methodically and watch for uneven ground throughout the area.
The site has yielded more than 800,000 pottery fragments that paint a detailed picture of ancient daily life and trade activities. This exceptional amount of ceramic material offers rare insights into the economic patterns of the region.
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