The Tell Madaba Archaeological Project (TMAP) is a
multidisciplinary research project investigating the early
development of urbanism and urban institutions in the ancient
Near East. It is part of an ongoing international research
effort to create a regional database that will permit
comprehensive analysis of the adaptive strategies and social
institutions developed by human communities in the semi-arid
Highlands of central Jordan, a geographical area distinguished
by its climatic variability and environmental diversity. The
site is situated within the modern city of Madaba, located 30 km
southwest of Amman amidst the fertile plains of the Central
Jordanian Plateau, forming a continuous urban tradition that can
be traced back in time at least 5,000 years. The ancient
settlement consists of a large low-lying tell and acropolis
(approximately 16 ha in area at the base and 9 ha at the
summit). Surrounding the tell, but primarily to the north, are
the remains of the classical town, represented most notably by
the