Reconstructing the Chronology of Building the Southwest Church of Umm El-Jimal, Jordan by AMS Radiocarbon Dating of Mortar and Plaster

A groundbreaking study reconstructs the chronology of the Southwest Church at Umm Al-Jimāl, Jordan, using AMS radiocarbon dating of mortar and plaster samples. The research reveals that the church's flooring and plastering likely occurred between 594–643 AD, with its final collapse dating to no earlier than 995–1154 AD. Notably, preparatory layers and the north wall's base suggest earlier construction phases, possibly from the late fifth–early sixth century AD. The study also identifies a consistent mortar recipe, comprising lime binder, organic (charcoal), and inorganic inclusions (quartz, grog, volcanics), which remained unchanged throughout the church's building stages. This finding provides critical insights into the architectural evolution and material practices of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Al-Bashaireh, K. (2024). RECONSTRUCTING THE CHRONOLOGY OF BUILDING THE SOUTHWEST CHURCH OF UMM EL-JIMAL, JORDAN BY AMS RADIOCARBON DATING OF MORTAR AND PLASTER. Radiocarbon, 66(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.1017/rdc.2024.11