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Ancient Byzantine Complex Unearthed in Israel

In a remarkable archaeological discovery, a team of researchers has revealed the remnants of an extensive Byzantine-era complex in Israel. This newly uncovered site includes several structures, such as a large winepress, a significant warehouse, and what is believed to be a monastery featuring an exquisite mosaic floor. The mosaic is adorned with a Greek inscription from the Book of Deuteronomy: “Blessed are you when you come in and blessed are you when you go out.”

The discovery occurred during preliminary excavations for a new housing development near Kiryat Gat. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) reports that the monastery likely dates back to the fifth or sixth century C.E., a period when the region was encompassed by the Byzantine Empire.

Shira Lifshitz and Maayan Margulis, the excavation leaders, emphasized the site’s significance, stating, “This is the largest and most notable site found in the region from the Roman and Byzantine periods.”

Historical Occupation and Evolution

The archaeological team believes the area has seen continuous habitation from the early Roman era, around the first century C.E., through to the late Byzantine period, which concluded in the sixth century C.E. Interestingly, Margulis notes in an interview with Haaretz that the site may have been home to human activity as long as 6,000 years ago, tracing back to the Chalcolithic period, also known as the Copper Age.

During the early centuries of the Common Era, Christianity began its gradual spread throughout the Roman Empire. Notably, in the 300s, Emperor Constantine I converted to Christianity, which led to the establishment of Constantinople, a city named in his honor and pivotal to Byzantium’s golden age.

A Treasure Trove of Artifacts

Among the ruins, the potential monastery has yielded a wealth of artifacts including imported pottery, metal and glass containers, coins, and marble pieces. A striking feature is the decorative mosaic floor showcasing an array of designs—crosses, lions, doves, flowers, geometric patterns, and an amphora, alongside the aforementioned biblical verse.

Lifshitz has remarked that the intricate design and craftsmanship of the mosaic set it apart from typical findings in the region. Mark Avrahami, who heads artistic conservation at the IAA, described it as “one of the most unique ever found in Israel.” The mosaic will undergo conservation before being displayed publicly. This process, as noted by Svetlana Talis, the IAA’s southern district director, requires skilled handling to ensure the preservation of its beauty.

Insights into Economic and Crafting Activities

The site also features a highly sophisticated winepress, complete with fermentation areas and collection vats, suggesting a level of economic activity that could have required extensive resources and professional craftsmanship. Additionally, based on discovered pottery fragments, experts hypothesize that this settlement might have included a ceramics workshop.

So far, archaeologists have uncovered remnants of ten structures at the site, but the full extent of the settlement remains unclear. As Margulis stated to Haaretz, “We just began to excavate the site,” indicating that further discoveries may yet await.

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