2025-2026 Grant in Aid of Research
Kirbeth Safra Excavation.
Angel David Ruiz Cach
This archaeological research is centered on Khirbet Safra, a significant site located 17 kilometers southwest of Madaba, Jordan, that spans 2.6 acres and offers commanding views of the Dead Sea and the Wilderness of Judea to the west, and the Wadi Zarqa Ma'in and the Jordanian Highlands to the east. The site also dominates the road leading to Ma'in Hot Springs, which passes at the base of the hill. Although the ancient name of Khirbet Safra remains unknown, the settlement’s archaeological features suggest that it was established by early Iron Age settlers around the 13th century BCE. The settlement includes a robust casemate fortification system, a large central structure likely serving as an administrative building, and a well-preserved gate complex. After its destruction by fire during the 11th century BCE, the site was quickly reoccupied and rebuilt, only to face another destructive event in the mid-ninth century BCE, potentially caused by seismic activity or conflict, with some scholars suggesting that the destruction was linked to the Moabite king Mesha, as described in the Biblical account in 2 Kings 3.
The primary objective of this research is to uncover evidence that can help identify the ancient name of the site and explore any potential connections with the Biblical narrative. This will involve a multidisciplinary approach, including linguistic analysis, historical research, and in-depth archaeological investigations. By examining material culture, inscriptions, and stratigraphy, this study seeks to provide clues that may lead to the identification of the site’s ancient name, shedding light on its historical significance and its possible correspondence with Biblical accounts. Ultimately, this research aims to enhance our understanding of the region's ancient history and its cultural context.