Umm al-Jimal
Salvage the Scripture in the Sediments
Umm Al Jimal, nestled within its ancient walls, holds a trove of historical significance encapsulated in hundreds of inscriptions. These inscriptions, etched in Nabataean, Arabic, Safaitic, Greek, and Latin scripts, offer a precious glimpse into the societal and religious behaviors of its past inhabitants, as well as their relationship to power. Through the names preserved on tombstones and dedications, it becomes evident that the population was predominantly of Arab descent. Furthermore, the inscriptions reveal a religious landscape characterized by syncretism, blending Nabataean divinities from both the southern and northern regions of the Nabataean influence zone with names borrowed from the Greek pantheon. Of particular interest are the Nabataean inscriptions, which illustrate an evolution of script towards the Arabic cursive style. Another intriguing aspect is the reuse of engraved stones in domestic settings during later periods. It's not uncommon to find fragments of inscriptions incorporated into the walls or door frames of homes, serving as a tangible link to the past and adding layers of historical depth to the everyday spaces of Umm Al Jimal.
