Abila Archaeological Project

Welcome to the official home of the Abila Archaeological Project, an archaeological excavation that takes place in northern Jordan. Abila's rich history dating from the Chalcolithic period all the way into the later Islamic periods makes it a site with enough history to interest almost anyone.

Abila is most well known as one of the cities of the Hellenistic league known as the Decapolis, and then as the home of five prominent churches during the Byzantine period. We are very excited to share with you the archaeological drama of one of the most dynamic sites in Jordan. Please explore to learn more about the riches of Abila of the Decapolis, and consider joining us for our next season of excavation!

Excavation Area

Abila of the Decapolis is divided into several distinct "Areas," which comprise the modern archaeological site. These Areas are distinguished by their location and special architectural surface features.

Area A–Byzantine Church, Area AA–Deep Probe, Area B–Byzantine Monastic Complex/“Theater Cavea”, Area C–Bath Complex, Area D– Byzantine Church, Area DD–Byzantine Church, Area E–Byzantine Church

DECAPOLIS MAP

The Decapolis was a ten-city Greco-Roman league located south of the Sea of Galilee in the Transjordan. The league was established as a defense of the eastern frontier of the empire of Pompey the Great. Click on any of the underlined cities to learn more.

Contacts

Dr. David Vila | Director

John Brown University 2000 West University Street Siloam Springs AR 72761 | P:479.524.7329 | F:479.238.8574 | DVila@jbu.edu

Dr. Robert Smith | Assistant Director, Area E Supervisor

Mid-Atlantic Christian University 803 N. Poindexter St.Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | 252.333.1483 | Bob.Smith@macuniversity.edu

Dr. Susan Ellis | Area AA Supervisor, Ceramicist

Wayne State College 1111 North Main Wayne, NE 68787 | 402.375.7146 | SuEllis1@wsc.edu

Cheryl Eaton ABD | Registrar, Area B Supervisor

Covenant Theological Seminary 12330 Conway Rd. St. Louis, MO 63141 | CEaton@jbu.edu

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