Publications
Desert Depths
A critical architectural approach to the Negev/Naqab Desert challenges Eurocentric and settler colonial narratives of emptiness, revealing complex, layered histories and ecologies. The study employs hybrid mapping techniques to spatialize conditions of migration, erasure, and power, creating deep cartographies that expose interdependent cultural and climatic worlds. By centering marginalized perspectives and confronting the Western gaze, the research offers a more inclusive and empathetic understanding of desert landscapes, countering dominant perceptions through student-led, open-ended design exercises.
Archaeology and Material Culture of Nabataea and the Nabataeans
Nabataean civilization, centered in Petra, thrived as a wealthy Arab kingdom controlling vital trade routes from Arabia to the Mediterranean and Egypt. Their mastery of stone-cutting and pottery production, particularly during the Roman era, allowed them to dominate international markets with exquisite ceramic vessels and perfumed oils. As a client state under Augustus, their prosperity persisted even after Roman annexation in 106 CE, maintaining economic influence until the 3rd century CE. Their written language, Aramaic, laid foundational linguistic groundwork for modern Arabic. This study synthesizes archaeological evidence and material culture to illuminate Nabataea's geopolitical significance, economic strategies, and cultural legacy in the southern Levant.
Milestones near Roman Army Installations in Desert Areas of the Provinces of Palaestina and Arabia
Roman milestones in the Negev Desert, including those along the Incense Route, were likely erected by local Roman Army units near military installations rather than as part of the broader imperial road network. This finding contrasts with the northern and central regions of Palaestina, where such markers are more common along well-preserved roads. The study suggests that these milestones serve as evidence of localized military activity in desert areas, a pattern also observed east of the Via Nova Triana in southern Jordan. By analyzing known milestones and their distribution, the research sheds light on Roman military logistics and infrastructure in arid regions.
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