Deir 'Alla sanctuary

Welcome to the Jordan Valley. I am delighted to be your academic guide today as we explore a site of immense historical and theological significance. …

As we pause on the lower slopes of the mound, take a moment to look out toward the east and south. The landscape stretching out before you is historically identified as the plains of Moab. …

We have now reached the mid level terraces of the tell. Notice the deep, geometric cuts in the earth around us. …

Welcome to the acropolis of Tell Deir 'Alla. This is the summit, the highest and most sacred precinct of the ancient city. …

We now step into the specific area within the sanctuary footprint where the dramatic collapse was most pronounced. This is the chamber of the collapsed walls. …

Step over to this shaded area, which represents the painstaking post excavation phase of the discovery. Once the fragments of plastered text were identified in the rubble, the brutal physical labor of digging transformed into the…

As we stand near the eastern edge of the temple complex, let us pause and analyze the profound theological and historical implications of the text that was pieced together. We must compare the archaeological evidence directly…

We have reached the edge of the acropolis, overlooking the descent path. Take one last look at the ruined foundation of the temple sanctuary. …

We have descended the tell and now stand once again at the base of the mound, returning to the modern world. Our time exploring the Deir 'Alla sanctuary has been a journey across millennia. …