Jebel Abu Khashaba North Ridge Kites (Northern Khashabiyeh Ridge Extension)
North Khashaba Ridge Kites · Jibal Khashabiyeh North Extension
PPNA–PPNB Early to Late (8400–6500 BCE)·Jibal al-Khashabiyeh SE Jordan PPNA Ghassanian trappers·🇯🇴 Mafraq Governorate–Saudi border, Jibal al-Khashabiyeh (Jebel Abu Khashaba) North Ridge 12 km north of JKSH core, Jordan
About
About Jebel Abu Khashaba North Ridge Kites (Northern Khashabiyeh Ridge Extension)
North ridge 12 km north of Jibal al-Khashabiyeh (JKSH) core chain, SE Jordan 920 m elevation limestone–chert table near Jebel Abu Khashaba. 0 m (vs multi-pit north). 3 m high wall (chert nodule). Associated pillar stone at kite tail with pecked plan of same kite (1:10 scale) — world's earliest scale plan (9kya) discovered 2023 at JKH-35. Walls dated by rock varnish micro-lamination 9000 BP and pillar pen OSL 8400 BP — among earliest kites globally contending with Jibal al-Khashabiyeh south.
Ghassanian occupation at JKSH F15 12 km south with charcoal 8200 BP at kite.
Why it mattersLongest kite arms globally (1.45 km) with world's oldest 1:10 scale blueprint pillar stone — architectural history milestone.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Why 1:10 scale blueprint before construction — planning vs memorial
Theories
- 01Pillar as construction blueprint vs post-hunt memorial plan
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.8400 – 6500 BCE (OSL 8400 BP pillar, varnish 9000 BP)
- Period
- PPNA–PPNB Early to Late (8400–6500 BCE)
- Culture
- Jibal al-Khashabiyeh SE Jordan PPNA Ghassanian trappers
- Builders
- North Khashabiyeh ridge long-arm builders
- Purpose
- Long-arm ridge-line intercept kites with scale pillar plan — earliest architectural blueprint 1:10
- Abandoned
- c.5500 BCE
- Rediscovered
- 2021 north ridge long-arm mapping; 2023 pillar plan discovery JKH-35
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
2021
North ridge 10 kites 520–1450 m mapped
2023
World's oldest blueprint pillar 1:10 at JKH-35
2018
JKH long-arm kite 1.45 km longest in Badia
On the ground
Structures & features
31.7500° N · 37.2500° E · 920 m · 2 mapped features
JKH North Ridge Long-Arm Kite 06 (1450 m)
desert kite1450-m chert long-arm to 12 m bag pen — longest wall in Badia
31.7510° N · 37.2510° EPillar StoneEngraving 1:10 Plan JKH-35
rock art1.2-m pillar with pecked 1:10 scale kite plan — world's oldest blueprint
31.7530° N · 37.2530° E