Khirbet Qabla discovery reveals ancient church built within olive press

Archaeologists from Yarmouk University have discovered a previously unknown Christian church at the Khirbet Qabla site in northern Jordan. The discovery, made during a 2026 excavation period, reveals that the structure underwent a significant functional transformation.

Evidence indicates that before being converted into a place of worship during the Roman and Byzantine periods, the building served as an olive press. This finding highlights how ancient communities repurposed productive agricultural spaces for religious use, illustrating the intersection of daily agrarian life and religious practice. The site also contains archaeological remains related to agricultural production, religious activities, and funerary practices spanning several periods.