The chronology of the Double Church of al-Jumayil archaeological site (Provincia Arabia, Jordan): Radiocarbon dating and archaeological investigation

Abstract The recently excavated double church at the site of al-Jumayil (Bishoprich of Madaba, Jordan), devoid of inscriptions, has been tentatively dated to the late 6th century CE, based on stratigraphic evidence, architectural parallels with securely dated churches, and stylistic analysis of mosaic floors. This study aims to advance understanding of the complex’s chronological development through a multidisciplinary approach. The primary methodology involves radiocarbon dating organic inclusions found in the construction mortars used for joint filling and wall coating, alongside an investigation into the mortars’ production technology. The results are integrated with data from previous archaeological excavations and relevant historical sources to refine the site’s chronological framework and address existing gaps in the architectural sequence. The results showed the use of three recipes with varying percentages of organic and inorganic inclusions to produce lime-based white plaster and dark gray mortar coatings and fillings. The results indicate that the complex was constructed in the late 6th to the first half of the 7th centuries CE and underwent stages of ecclesiastical use, destruction, and post-ecclesiastical use before its collapse and abandonment. The results are in good agreement with the regional widespread church construction during the late Byzantine period, a period of regional economic prosperity.