Between Myth and Destruction: Socioeconomic Drivers, Cultural Narratives, and the Impact of Looting on Jordan's Archaeological Heritage

Al-Alwan, Khalled

DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.17101169.

Vol. 56 (2025), pp. 91–98 •

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DEBATE ARTICLE

Between Myth and Destruction: Socioeconomic Drivers, Cultural Narratives, and the Impact of Looting on Jordan's Archaeological Heritage

Khalled Al-Alwan

Department of Allied Humanities, Faculty of Arts, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan

(khalled@hu.edu.jo)

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Abstract

This study examines the issue of illegal excavations and looting of antiquities in Jordan, a country rich in globally significant archaeological heritage. While numerous mystical and religious narratives, such as tales of “jinn” and hidden treasure maps, attempt to explain why looters prowl the desert, the root causes of looting are deeply tied to historical economic deprivation, marginalization, and a lack of viable livelihood opportunities. The illegal disturbance of archaeological sites such as Petra, Jerash, and Khirbet al-Umari not only undermines national identity but also damages humanity's shared cultural heritage. Drawing on insights from law, anthropology, and heritage management frameworks, this paper analyzes both the inadequacies of current legislation and the role of digital and social media platforms in facilitating looting networks. It further critiques the ineffectiveness of purely punitive enforcement strategies. Instead, the study emphasizes the urgent need for community-centered and inclusive preservation approaches. Initiatives that promote education, sustainable economic opportunities, and digital accountability, such as the MEGA-Jordan project, are highlighted as innovative and sustainable pathways toward responsible stewardship and long-term protection of Jordan's invaluable heritage.

Keywords

Drivers, cultural narratives, looting, archaeological heritage, illegal excavation, Jordan.

Cite as

Al-Alwan, K. 2025.
Between Myth and Destruction: Socioeconomic Drivers, Cultural Narratives, and the Impact of Looting on Jordan's Archaeological Heritage. Arqueología Iberoamericana 56: 91–98.

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Other Persistent Identifiers

PURL: purl.org/aia/5610. ARK: ark:/49934/387, ark:49934/387.

Received: August 6, 2025. Accepted: September 5, 2025. Published: September 14, 2025.

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