One Hundred Years of Archaeological Work in Jordan

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This article deals with major achievements in the field of archaeology and cultural heritage in Jordan since the 19th century, the time when many travelers explored Jordan and Palestine and paid attention to the richness of the Archaeological and historical sites. The Department of Antiquities was established in 1923 to manage the archaeological sites and excavations as well as restoration work in various sites of the country. As well as bylaws of antiquities ere issued in 1934. Since then extensive excavations and surveys took place by foreign expeditions, and later on with participation of local institutions. Archaeological and cultural resource management programs were established in a number of Jordanian universities for training local archaeologists to undertake field research projects in cooperation with international institutions. A national museum (Jordan Museum) as well as several local museums and university museums were established and made accessible for local communities. The Department of Antiquities developed a program entitled (MEGA-Jordan) to inventory and manage archaeology sites at a national level. International research centers were established in Jordan including the American, British, French, German and Spanish, to conduct archaeological work and to accommodate researchers from different parts of the world. Six Jordanian properties were inscribed in the World Heritage List: Petra, Quseir Amra, Um er-Rasas, Wadi Rum, Baptism Site and As-Salt.