Publication: Book on Megalithic Jordan
Submitted by ammanamba on Tuesday, 10 February 2009 Page Views: 20199
EventsCountry: Jordan Type: Burial Chamber or DolmenInternal Links:
A copy of this new publication was be presented by the author, to HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal, who wrote the introduction. Scheltema is a former Dutch Ambassador to Jordan, who studied the subject extensively during his stay in Jordan between 2003-2007.
The book deals with the phenomenon of megalithic structures in a part of the world, the Middle East, which so far received little attention from scholars concerning this particular subject. The Middle Eastern megalithic tradition, known i.a. from the Old Testament, was recognised in the 19th century by early explorers and has been recorded at many archaeological digs since that time, but always rather as a fringe phenomenon.
Now, for the first time, the subject is being treated in a comprehensive way, focussing as it appears in the Kingdom of Jordan, but within a larger Levantine (and Middle Eastern) context. It deals mainly with the two most frequent and distinct aspects, dolmen and menhirs, as they can often be encountered in Jordan (while being threatened in an increasing way), but also touches on other related items such as stone alignments and cupholes.
It is composed of an elaborate introduction on the subject in its Middle East framework, followed by a field guide of the most important sites in Jordan, including their GPS location, specific site description and literature. It will also include the most elaborate bibliography on the subject as to date.
The book is available through ACOR, Amman for $35 including international shipping. (Visa cards accepted). It is now also available from Eisenbrauns in the USA.
In 2009, the Megalithic museum ('Hunebedcentrum') in Borger (Drenthe), the Netherlands, is planning an exhibition on megalithic traditions in Jordan, on the basis of the publication mentioned above.
H.G. Scheltema is a contributor to the Megalithic Portal, where you can see many of his photos of megalithis in Jordan.
Note: Megalithic Jordan now available by mail order to USA and UK
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