Khatt Shebib

[1][3] The Khatt Shebib was built and used by the semi-nomadic Bedouin people, whose livelihoods consisted of herding and farming in the harsh, arid environment of the Jordan desert.

[5] Passing urban areas such as Shobak, Al Mdayrej and Ma'an, the Khatt Shebib runs primarily though the southern Jordan desert.

[7] Alongside the Khatt Shebib, southern Jordan contains other major archaeological sites, such as Petra and Wadi Rum, resulting in the region being a tourism hotspot.

Alongside this scientific research, archaeologists have discovered ceramic artefacts, such as pottery shards, at sites along or close by the Khatt Shebib.

[10] Although there is scientific and archaeological evidence that dates the building of the Khatt Shebib in the Iron Age, the timeframe of the wall's construction is still unknown.

Archaeologists during the 1940s and 1950s, when British diplomat Sir Alec Kirkbridge first identified the wall, argue that the Khatt Shebib was used for military and defence purposes.

[10] However, as more has been discovered about the building and structure of the Khatt Shebib, many contemporary archaeologists have dismissed this theory, suggesting that the wall is too low to have been used as a successful defence mechanism.

Aerial archaeology is the predominant form of research being undertaken in order to discover more about the Khatt Shebib, as it suits best to the expansive region.

[13] These aerial archaeological projects have produced substantial documentation on the Khatt Shebib, contributing to the understanding of the wall's geographical landscape, structure and features.

David also co-wrote the notable article, “The Khatt Shebib in Jordan: from the Air and Space”, which has greatly contributed to what is known about the wall today.

She is a research assistant for the 'Aerial Photographic Archive for Archaeology in the Middle East' and co-wrote the article “The Khatt Shebib in Jordan: from the Air and Space” alongside David Kennedy.

Robert's numerous publications have contributed to mapping the Khatt Shebib and conducting aerial imagery and research to greater understand the wall's history.

These threats include re-purposing the site for agricultural means and the destruction of the ancient ruins from conflict, mining or construction as populations grow and cities expand.