Pella in Jordan: A Window to the Past

People have lived for up to a million years in Jordan's fertile river valley, and over the centuries the land has been conquered and occupied by Egyptians, Israelites, Syrians, Greeks, and other ancient cultures, leaving behind a fascinating archaeological record. Beginning in 1979, Australian archaeologists spent part of each spring and summer in Jordan, exploring the abandoned city of Pella, near the Syrian border. Aided by volunteers and local laborers, the archaeologists sifted through the remains of "tells," huge mounds of successive settlements piled high like a giant layer cake. It's not Indiana Jones, but there's an undeniable excitement as viewers watch these workers unearth, sketch, photograph, record, and preserve these artifacts. The archaeologists explain their working methods and routines, noting that the best work gets done in the early morning before the searing sun of the Middle East takes its toll. Archaeologists must also act as diplomats, encouraging people from diverse cultures to work together for a common purpose. In the end, there's something a bit heroic about these men and women, who note that when we learn more about ancient cultures we also learn more about ourselves. Boasting many fine views of the Pella excavation, this video has value for history buffs or students thinking about pursuing a career in archaeology. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (S. Rees)