Dr. Robert W. Smith, Mid-Atlantic Christian University, will provide information on his archaeological experience this summer at Abila.
Pilgrimages and pilgrims from late antiquity can be tracked if you have the eyes to see the signs. When many travels to ancient, ruined cities, all they see are heaps of rocks! This presentation seeks to open their eyes to see the evidence. The archaeological presentation will use the site of the pilgrimage complex built in the center old Decapolis city of Abila, located at Quwaylibah, Jordan, to introduce the general environmental and sociological contextual factors that promoted pilgrimage at the site.
Evidence of more significant signs, such as the architecture, medium signs like specialized furnishings, and minor signs, such as personal artifacts and inscriptions, will be discussed. The Abila Pilgrimage Complex is never mentioned in preserved ancient pilgrimage accounts as a significant site; it provides a broad spectrum of possible types of evidence.
The presentation will appeal to individuals interested in the lands held sacred by Jews, Christians, and Muslims and interested in the human response to a world of earthquakes, famine, wars, and epidemics.
This program is offered in person and virtually. You don’t need to register if you plan to attend in person; register with the Zoom link to attend virtually.
If you have any further questions, please contact Lori Meads.