Archaeologists have uncovered the ancient Christian settlement of Tharais in Jordan, thanks to the Madaba Mosaic Map—one of the oldest known maps of the Holy Land. According to a new article in Gephyra, the site lies in the northwestern area of El-‘Irāq on the Karak plateau, historically recognized as the biblical land of Moab. Researcher Musallam R. Al-Rawahneh reported that artifacts typical of the Byzantine era, including pottery, stone tools, and church architecture, were discovered, suggesting a once-thriving Christian community.

Among the ruins, scholars identified a church featuring distinctive Byzantine design elements and an ancient olive oil press, indicating that Tharais was not only a religious center but also an active settlement. The site likely served as a sanctuary and potential pilgrimage stop due to its elevated view of the Dead Sea and proximity to other biblical locations. The discovery highlights the enduring significance of the Madaba Mosaic Map, which has guided researchers to numerous ancient holy sites since its discovery in 1884.

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SOURCE: All Israel News