15 March 2026
The American Center of Research is honored to announce that the U.S. Embassy in Amman and the U.S. State Department’s Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation has granted us a two-year award to undertake archaeological work at Ain az-Zara, protecting cultural heritage of the Holy Land, and sharing that heritage directly with the American people. Undertaken in cooperation with the Jordan’s Department of Antiquities, excavation and preservation at Ain az-Zara, known in ancient times as Kallirhoe, will result not only in new knowledge but also a new Hellenistic and Roman-era site open to visitors. At this historic location, all will be able to view the remains of a port and seaside palace (or villa maritima) that provided the neighboring citadel of Machaerus with a tether to the rest of the ancient world, which will help enhance their experience in Jordan and their understanding of the country’s—and the world’s—heritage.
We look forward to sharing news of the work and discoveries of this project.
