Preventive Preservation Approach For The Preservation Of Unique Early Neolithic Architectural Remains Of The Archaeological Site Of Beidha-Jordan

The Neolithic site of Beidha in southern Jordan is a highly significant and unique site that documents the evolution of early human residential architecture. The architectural remains of the site have been seriously deteriorated over the years due to natural and human factors. The site value is being diminished and its existence is threatened. Therefore, this research is meant to be a response to this undesirable situation. This research aims at proposing conservation measures that can safeguard the site and minimize future risks. Due to its many advantages including preserving the authenticity and integrity of the site, cost effectiveness and sustainability, preventive conservation approach is adopted. This approach is based on the preservation of the architectural remains by avoiding the agents of deterioration and applying the minimum repairs using compatible materials. Field surveys, laboratory analyses and documentary research were used to examine and analyze the remaining structures in terms of their building techniques, building materials, and forms and causes of weathering and deterioration. Based on the obtained results two levels of preventive conservation measures proposed to safeguard and preserve the site: preventive measures that are based on avoiding the agents of deterioration and measures that are based on minimum intervention to inhibit the propagation of future damage.