Sophisticated Roman baths uncovered in Amman during building of a major drainage system

[Judi Lynn]

Wednesday, December 30th 2020 - 08:52 UTC

The discovery of the ruins of old Roman baths during the construction of a major drainage system in the heart of Jordan's capital has posed a dilemma: how to preserve the country's ancient past while providing for its modern future?

A government committee set up two weeks ago is expected to decide soon on whether to expand excavations at the site or go ahead with an underground canal that would divert flood water that descends on Amman from the surrounding hills.

Remnants of furnaces are a sign of an elaborate heating system which archaeologists believe is the first such discovery among the remains of the ancient city of Philadelphia on which Amman was built.

“We will balance the needs of the city - to protect it from flooding - to preserving antiquities under the streets,” said Yazid Elayan, head of Jordan's Department of Antiquities.

“Amman was one of the biggest Roman cities and it has one of the largest baths ... Wherever one excavates in Amman, antiquities can be found”.

More:
https://en.mercopress.com/2020/12/30/sophisticated-roman-baths-uncovered-in-amman-during-building-of-a-major-drainage-system