Khirbet en-Nahas

Khirbet en-Nahas, located in Wadi Faynan, Jordan, is one of the world's largest ancient copper mining and smelting sites, dating back to the Early Iron Age around 1000 BCE. The site reveals evidence of advanced economic and political activity, suggesting the presence of an early organized state or kingdom. Under the direction of archaeologist Thomas E. Levy, excavations have uncovered extensive copper mining operations, indicative of a complex and sophisticated society capable of large-scale industrial activities. The findings at Khirbet en-Nahas contribute significantly to the understanding of Iron Age metallurgy and the development of early states in the Middle East.