Drainage works unearth Roman baths in heart of Jordan's capital

People watch as archaeologists and workers excavate at Roman archaeological site discovered during works to install a water drainage system, in downtown Amman, Jordan, December 27, 2020. Picture taken December 27, 2020. REUTERS/Muhammad Hamed

AMMAN (Reuters) - The discovery of the ruins of old Roman baths during the construction of a major drainage system in the heart of Jordan's capital has posed a dilemma: how to preserve the country's ancient past while providing for its modern future?

A government committee set up two weeks ago is expected to decide soon on whether to expand excavations at the site or go ahead with an underground canal that would divert flood water that descends on Amman from the surrounding hills.