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Archaeological Work at the Mahram Bilqis, Ma'rib
Merilyn Phillips Hodgson and William Glanzman
American Foundation for the Study of Man
In 1998 the American Foundation for the Study of Man,
an AIYS institutional member, undertook the first of what is
hoped to be many field season of excavation at the Mahram
Bilqis in Marib, as part of a joint project with the German
Archaeological Institute (DAI). This project builds on
earlier work undertaken by AFSM in the early 1950's. In the
current phase of the project AFSM and the DAI, while working
in close proximity, are pursuing different objectives. Using
a computerized laser-driven theodolite surveying "total
station," AFSM seeks to establish an accurate plan of the
exposed masonry structure of the sanctuary and a detailed
topographic plan of the area surrounding the sanctuary. In
addition a geomorphological survey of the area is being
carried out, and previously-excavated and new parts of the
Precinct Wall are being investigated archaeologically.
Previously-excavated inscriptions are being documented anew.
AFSM also plans to conduct a geologically-orientated
surface survey reconnaissance of the Jabal al-Badiyah along
the Wadi al-Jubah, in order to resolve several research
questions relating to the geological history of the region
that were raised as a result of the Wadi al-Jubah
Archaeological Project that AFSM conducted between 1982 and
1987. The survey will document more fully the sedimentary
environment of the Wadi al-Jubah region and will record and
collect archaeological samples encountered as part of the
surface survey.
Project funding: AFSM
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