Digital Assets for the Study of Jordanian Heritage in the Nabataean and Roman Periods: The Data from the Madih (مديح) Project

Abstract

This study explores digital assets related to Jordan's Nabataean and Roman heritage, focusing on datasets from the MaDiH (Mapping Digital Cultural Heritage in Jordan) project. The MaDiH initiative aimed to assess Jordan's digital cultural heritage (DCH) landscape in order to inform research infrastructure policies and improve access to archaeological and historical data. Jordan has emerged as a regional leader in DCH development, with collaborations between the Department of Antiquities and international institutions yielding significant databases such as MEGA-Jordan and JADIS. The research evaluates 133 datasets specific to the Nabataean and Roman periods, assessing their accessibility, ownership, and usability. These datasets primarily cover tangible heritage, including archaeological sites and objects, with limited representation of intangible cultural aspects. The majority exist in digital formats, yet accessibility challenges persist due to restrictive licenses, offline storage, and limited public availability. Ownership is primarily concentrated in universities, museums, and heritage institutions, but a significant portion remains in private hands. The study identifies disparities in dataset accessibility, whether online or offline, depending on location, and highlights concerns regarding local access to national heritage. Additionally, language barriers exist, with most datasets in English rather than Arabic. Findings emphasize the need for improved data standardisation, interoperability, and expanded public access to digital heritage. The MaDiH catalogue serves as a foundational tool for researchers and is a good starting point for a Jordanian heritage catalogue, while providing an example for similar efforts in other regions, however it requires further development to enhance engagement and integration with World Heritage platforms. Future efforts should focus on federating existing datasets, fostering multilingual accessibility, and strengthening Jordan's digital infrastructure to maximize the academic and economic benefits of its rich cultural heritage.