Geological and historical evidence indicates that Jordanian amber was not merely fossilized resin preserving microscopic life from the Cretaceous period, but also a material of ritual and religious significance, widely used as incense in temples and sacred places throughout history.
اضافة اعلان
Jordanian amber formed approximately 140 million years ago. Ancient floods—particularly those of the Zarqa River, which flows into the Jordan River and ultimately into the Dead Sea—transported amber fragments downstream.
Along this natural route, amber accumulated on riverbanks and nearby hills. Some of these locations were historically known by names reflecting their use, such as “Mount of Incense” in the Jerash region.
When burned, amber releases a distinctive aromatic resinous fragrance, different from frankincense and myrrh, characterized by its purity and persistence. For this reason, amber was used as incense in temples, both during religious rituals and for the purification of sacred spaces.
Historical sources suggest that incense brought from the East was not limited to frankincense alone but included other resinous materials. It is highly probable that Jordanian amber was among these substances, especially given its geographical proximity to ancient religious centers in the Levant.
The Jewish scholar, philosopher, and physician Rabbi Moses Maimonides
(1135–1204 AD) referred in his writings to the use of aromatic and incense materials in religious rituals and temples. Evidence suggests that he burned amber in combination with other substances during ceremonial practices due to its aromatic qualities and air-purifying properties. This strongly supports the hypothesis that the amber used originated from nearby sources, most notably Jordanian amber.
The use of Jordanian amber as incense adds a new dimension to its importance, combining:
* Geological value (as one of the oldest ambers in the region).
* Biological value (preserving a remarkable fossil biodiversity).
* Cultural and religious value (its use in temples and ritual practices).
Thus, Jordanian amber stands not only as a witness to life millions of years ago, but also as a testimony to human spiritual and religious practices throughout history.
