A team of archaeologists in Jordan believes it has finally located the lost Byzantine city of Tharais, using clues hidden in a 1,500-year-old mosaic map. After several years of surveys and excavations, researchers uncovered ruins, inscriptions, and religious structures near the modern village of El-’Iraq.
The search centered on the famous Madaba Mosaic Map, an ancient floor mosaic created during the reign of Emperor Justinian I between 527 and 565 A.D. The map, located in the Jordanian city of Madaba, shows 157 sites across the Holy Land. Some of those places are still missing today, including Tharais until now.
As reported in the latest research, the excavation project started in 2021 under the leadership of Musallam R. al-Rawahneh from Mutah University. Researchers combined historical maps with field surveys around the southeastern side of the Dead Sea before focusing their attention on the area around El-’Iraq.
Ancient Traces Revealed a Lost City
Once researchers began surveying the area, signs of Byzantine occupation quickly appeared. Teams uncovered fragments ofmosaic floors, glassware, and tools scattered across the site. They also found remains of what looks like a Byzantine basilica. The structure includes features commonly linked to early Christian churches, including a long rectangular layout and an open central area.
The study published in Gephyra notes that archaeologists working with research teams from France and Spain also discovered funerary inscriptions written in Greek and Latin. Those inscriptions point to the existence of a Christian community in the area centuries ago.
There was also a doorway whose design closely matched known Byzantine church architecture. Piece by piece, the site started to look more and more like the Tharais shown on the ancient mosaic map.
Tharais Was Likely More Than a Simple Village
Researchers say the site was probably not just a small agricultural settlement. In comments relayed byTürkiye Today, Musallam R. al-Rawahneh explained that Tharais likely served as both “a sacred site and commercial rest stop.”
The religious evidence is difficult to overlook. Between the basilica remains, the inscriptions, and the church-style architectural features, many of the discoveries point in the same direction.
“These architectural elements strongly suggest that Tharais was not just a settlement, but a religious and commercial hub during the Byzantine period.”
That idea also matches the city’s prominent place on the Madaba Mosaic Map. Archaeologists think thislost city may have been an important stop for travelers and local Christian communities during the Byzantine era.
At the same time, the excavation also revealed traces of everyday life. Broken objects, scattered tools, and worn stone remains suggest the area was occupied over a long period rather than serving as a temporary site.
The Ancient City Appears Economically Active
The team uncovered several installations linked to agriculture and production, including olive oil presses, windmills, and grape-crushing equipment. Those discoveries suggest that Tharais supported itself economically while functioning as a religious center. Olive oil and wine production were major parts of Byzantine life across the region, and the equipment found at the site reflects that activity.
Researchers also say the layout of the ruins closely matches the ancient depiction of Tharais on the Madaba Mosaic Map. The placement of gates, towers, and surrounding ruins reportedly lines up with the mosaic’s design.
Al-Rawahneh also stressed that protecting the site is becoming increasingly urgent as urban development around El-’Iraq continues to expand.
“Our aim is not just to uncover Tharais,” he stated, “but also to advocate for the protection of Jordan’s rich cultural heritage.”
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