Madaba deserves the title of "City of Mosaics," as it boasts a rich cultural heritage that distinguishes it among Jordanian cities, particularly in the art of mosaics, which is evident in the details of its architecture and history.
Among the most prominent examples of this heritage is the oldest mosaic floor discovered in Jordan, dating back to the first century BC. This floor was found in the historic Makawir Castle and is currently on display in the archaeological park in the city center, according to data from the Department of Antiquities.
Mosaic art is not only an aesthetic element; it is also a visual record that contributes to understanding history and reflects the richness of human culture and its diverse tributaries. Madaba represents a vivid example of the importance of studying daily life in ancient times. Through the mosaics scattered throughout the city, one can learn about economic activities such as agriculture and hunting, the animal and plant environment, the residents' clothing, and even the musical instruments used at the time. The mosaic floors document the names of cities and villages inhabited during those periods, enhancing their historical value.
The Madaba Antiquities Department is making exceptional efforts to preserve the mosaic floors through specialized technical personnel in restoration and documentation. He noted that a comprehensive documentation project has been implemented for these floors, including the creation of a database containing the tile number, its source, its subject, its current condition, and documentation of the problems facing these floors, whether they are murals, movables, or located in their original locations.
The database includes 25 mosaic panels, including floors in their original location and murals that were transported to various locations in Madaba for display to visitors. These are distributed across the following locations: the Archaeological Museum, the Archaeological Park, the Burnt Palace, the Church of the Apostles, the Cathedral, and the Madaba Archaeological Site.
Some of the mosaic floors include city names and geographical locations, making them an important source for studying historical topography, such as the floors discovered in the Church of the Map in Madaba and the Acropolis Church in Ma'in.
For mosaic cubes, the "Madaba Mosaic School" was established in Madaba in 1992 to preserve Madaba's mosaic identity. It was transformed into the "Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art and Restoration" in 2007, offering diplomas in mosaic production and restoration.
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