Main Gate
Two massive forward-projecting rectangular towers, each approximately 16.2 x 16.2 m and standing 12 m apart, allowed entrance from the west. Spur walls projecting from the towers reduced the entrance to a double gateway 4.63 m in width, with two gates that pivoted inward. The original paved roadway between the towers was preserved under the modern track.
The towers were built on bedrock and the walls were 2.8-3.0 m thick, with wooden flooring within them. On the western (external) faces was a cladding of narrow slabs of limestone, and the eastern (internal) faces had decorative stonework.
The towers were most likely roofed. But questions remain about the height of the towers and the nature of the bridging above the entry-way.
Excavation was carried out by Peter Connor in four seasons (1988-1991).
Major report:
Graeme Clarke, 'The Main Gate', in G.W. Clarke, P.J. Connor, L. Crewe, B. Frohlich, H.M. Jackson, J. Littleton, C.E.V. Nixon, M. O'Hea & D. Steele, Jebel Khalid on the Euphrates, Volume One: Report on Excavations 1986–1996. Mediterranean Archaeology Supplement 5 (Sydney, 2002) 17-23 Other publications
Main gate trench layout
Plan of the Main Gate
Field booksThe Australian Mission to Jebel Khalid is a joint project of the Australian National University and the University of Melbourne.