Jordan in the Stone Ages

Human settlement in Jordan

Multiple civilizations have succeeded on the land of Jordan.

Reasons for the succession of civilizations in Jordan:

1. Moderate climate.
2. Fertility of its soil.
3. Availability of water sources.
4. Its central location between continents.

Evidence indicating human settlement in Jordan since ancient times

The presence of material remains in various geographic areas in Jordan, as evidenced by archaeological excavations.

Areas of concentration of archaeological sites in Jordan from the Stone Ages

1. Around the valleys.
2. Around water springs.
3. In the Jordan Rift Valley.
4. Highland areas.

The most important archaeological sites in Jordan during the Stone Ages are:

1. Ghassul Tuleilat in the north of the Dead Sea.
2. Fajjaj Ruins in Tafilah.
3. Ain Ghazal in Amman.
4. Jawa in the northeastern Badia (Mafraq Governorate).
5. Azraq.
6. Wadi Finan in Tafilah.
7. Harrana.
8. Bayir.
9. Tal Al-Shuna Al-Shamaliya.
10. Abu Habil.
11. Abu Al-Saeedia.
12. Abu Al-Sawan.
13. Al-Bayda.
14. Busa in Ma'an.
15. Tabqat Fahl near the village of Al-Masharie' in the Northern Jordan Valley.
16. Tal Abu Al-Khas in Irbid.

General characteristics of the Stone Ages in Jordan:

The existence of agricultural villages.

• People lived in extended families and enjoyed stability.
• They practiced agriculture, such as cultivating grains, legumes, and fruit trees.
• They domesticated animals.
• They practiced the craft of hunting.

Examples of agricultural villages:

Wadi Finan in the Tafilah Governorate.

Development of architecture

Their houses were connected, indicating the presence of extended families.

Industrial prosperity

Production of stone and flint tools for hunting, herding, and agriculture.

Development of some arts

They used clay and mud in designing dolls.