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GV Church and ruins in yard (2 shots)
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BV Workers clean mosaics (3 shots)
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SV Dr. Van Elderen measures church stone and making notes
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SV Worker cleans mosaic
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SV Dr. Van Elderen measures mosaics
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SV Clean mosaics (3 shots)
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SV Church pillars
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LV Workers clean mosaics
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GV Church
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Initials BB/1540 WR/AW/BB/1526



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: An archaeologist from the United States, Dr. Bastian Van Elderen is working in conjunction with the Jordan Department of Antiquities following his discovery of an ancient Christian Church near Amman in August.

Dr. Van Elderen, Head of the American Centre for Oriental Research, reported the discovery of traces of mosaic floors. They consisted of intricate interlocking geometric designs, evidence of the perfection of techniques of Byzantine craftsmen between the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

The church is the twelfth discovered to be rich in mosaics in the Madaba area, 20 miles (32 kms) south of Amman.

These discoveries have provided wider knowledge of the Byzantine period and further emphasises that Madaba was the mosaic centre of Lavent, the eastern countries.

As more of these ancient church ruins are uncovered, archaeologists are able to reconstruct the past history, architectural beauty and culture of people who lived, worked and worshipped in this part of the world centuries ago.

SYNOPSIS: The remains of a church dating back to the Byzantine period were unearthed at Madaba in Jordan recently. The discovery is the twelfth historic church, found to be rich in Byzantine mosaic work in the district, 20 miles south of Amman. The entire area of the church was excavated in late August to enable archaeologists to study the priceless mosaic floors.

Doctor Bastian Vas Elderen, head of the American Centre for Oriental Research made the initial discovery. He has been supervising the cleaning of the mosaics which date back to between the eleventh and twelfth centuries.

A section of the church's floor displayed the intricate interlocking geometric designs of the Byzantine craftsmen.

The discovery of these ancient ruins has enabled archaeologists to reconstruct the past history, architectural beauty and culture of people who live in this part of the world centuries ago.