AID grant no. 278-0266-G-SS-0006-00 to the American Center of Oriental Research (ACOR) for archaeological excavation, conservation, stabilization and sheltering of the ancient mosaic complex in Petra

The ancient structure was discovered in 1990 and contains wall mosaics and possibly sections of ceiling mosaics, which date from the fifth or fourth centuries, A.D., and therefore would be the earliest of their kind not only in Jordan but possibly in the entire world. From the ground plan of the building and its associated structures, it appears that it may have been the cathedral of the Episcopal See of Third Palestine. ACOR will support archaeological excavation, the conservation of recovered mosaics, stabilization of the ancient structure and its associated buildings, and the construction of a protective shelter over the site. Development of the mosaic site is expected to draw more tourists to the city and for longer periods of time.