UC San Diego

This thesis examines the relationship between Islamic empires and the peripheral areas of southern Jordan, focusing specifically on the relationship between the Islamic state and copper producers, with some attention also given to the ways in which the rulers of Islamic empires legitimated their power and the relationships between craft producing and local nomadic groups. After presenting the historical and archaeological background of the region, the site of Khirbat Nqeib Aseimer will be presented as a case study for these issues during the Middle Islamic (1000-1400 AD) period. A preliminary analysis of the survey pottery from the site will be discussed, as well as its implications for the dating of the site, and Khirbat Nqeib Aseimer will be placed in its regional and theoretical context to the extent that the currently available data allows