Old Data, New Ideas: Analyzing and Integrating Legacy Data at Khirbat al-Mukhayyat, Jordan

Abstract

In 2000–2001, the Tall Madaba Archaeological Project (TMAP) conducted an archaeological survey of the site of Khirbat al-Mukhayyat (Jordan) in anticipation of future excavation. Unfortunately, excavations were not immediately possible. With the formation of the Khirbat al-Mukhayyat Archaeological Project (KMAP) in 2012, collaborations with TMAP prioritized the analysis of this survey data. The central goal of the analysis was to create hypotheses concerning fluctuations in occupation and the nature of human activity at the site that could be tested against future archaeological excavation. Secondary goals included assessing the extent to which such legacy survey data could be integrated into the evolving research program of KMAP and elsewhere. The results of this analysis show the changing nature of human occupation at Khirbat al-Mukhayyat over time, highlighting activity during the Iron Age, Hellenistic, and Byzantine periods and reflect on the importance of using and making the results of such surveys available.