Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
Time Periods
Paleolithic
Mesolithic
Neolithic
Chalcolithic
Bronze Age
Iron Age
Classical Period
Post-Classical Period
Early Modern Period
Industrial Period
Contemporary Period
About
Jawa, located in Eastern Jordan's Black Desert, represents the oldest known proto-urban development in the region, dating back to the late 4th millennium BCE during the Early Bronze Age. The site features an impressive array of water management systems, including the oldest known masonry gravity dam, designed to protect against flash floods and sustain the settlement's population through the arid months. This early town was home to an estimated 3,000 to 5,000 inhabitants and included defensive walls and an extensive system of earthworks to manage water resources. The town was short-lived, possibly thriving for only a generation before succumbing to destruction. Despite its brief occupation, Jawa's archaeological significance lies in its unique adaptation to the harsh desert environment, demonstrating early human ingenuity in urban planning and water management.
Gallery
Explore photographs of ancient structures, artifacts, and archaeological excavations at Jawa, Jordan



Archaeological Features
Explore the unique architectural and cultural elements found at this historical site
Defensive Structures
Animal Husbandry Features
Water Management Features
Agricultural and Land Use Features
Domestic and Habitation Structures
Historical Timeline
Journey through time and discover key events in this site's archaeological history
Plan Your Visit
Details
- Country
- Jordan
- Source
- Wikipedia