Abila of the Decapolis
June 19 - July 7, 2025
other
City of an Ancient League
Located among the well-watered fields of northwest Jordan, the ancient city of Abila was once part of the Decapolis—an informal league of cities located in what is today Jordan, southern Syria, and northeast Israel. Abila was occupied from the Early Bronze Age down into the 10th–11th centuries CE, and was located on a strategic trade route from Nabataea to Damascus.
Volunteers with our excavation will find five Byzantine churches, a Roman bath complex, an eighth-century CE monastic complex, beautifully painted Roman and Byzantine tombs, Bronze and Iron Age occupation areas, and miles of underground water tunnels.
Students serve as square supervisors, working side by side with experienced excavators as they uncover the exciting past of our Decapolis city. Work this season will focus on finishing the excavation of two Byzantine churches and then continuing the excavation of the Bronze and Iron Age strata on the north tell, and an eighth-century CE market located beside a Byzantine plaza.
Details
Geographic Location
Northwest Jordan
Dates of the Dig
June 19 - July 7, 2025
Minimum Stay
2 Weeks
Application Due
Saturday, February 15, 2025
Academic Credit/Cost per Credit/Institution
Contact for more details
Accommodations
Volunteers will stay at Hartha Girls Primary School. Shared rooms. For details, see our website or contact Dr. Vila.
Cost
Contact
Dr. David Vila
[email protected]
To learn how you can get involved, visit their website.
