"Restore the Body, Soothe the Soul: The Water Systems of the Jordanian Monasteries" in Rosapat - Studies on the Archaeology of Palestine & Transjordan (12), 2017, pp. 29-41. (original) (raw)

The possession of an efficient water supply system has always been the essential component for survival in the arid territories of Transjordan, especially for those villages and settlements that developed in the rural context. Among them, the great monastic complexes were often independent and self-sufficient. After reviewing the water facilities discovered in the monastic complex of the Memorial of Moses on Mt. Nebo, this study willfocus on the value and use that monks and pilgrims attributed to water. In particular, the parallel cases with the variegated framework of other coenobia connected to holy places widespread in Jordan, will point out the practical needs of drinking and of the agricultural irrigation. Finally, the analysis will move to the cultural and religious role of water, which in some monasteries led to the consecration of this natural source. The redemption feature of the water in baptism, often administered by the priests in these monasteries, allowed the pilgrims to renew their promise and faith in Christ.