Israeli archaeologists have discovered a 1,500-year-old monastery with a wine press and a colorful mosaic floor featuring famous passages from the book of Deuteronomy. Archaeologists say the monastery dates back to the 5th century AD and is the most important archaeological site from the Roman and Byzantine eras discovered in the region. It was discovered north of Kiryat Ghat, a city southwest of Jerusalem.
Excavations by the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have revealed the remains of at least 10 buildings, including a winepress, a monastery and a large warehouse. building.
The mosaic floor contains poems written in Greek. Deuteronomy 28:6: “Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out.”
The monastery is “part of an ancient ruin” it is It was founded in the 1st century AD and “lasted approximately 600 years,” the IAA said in a news release.
“Early resolution is installed It is located at the intersection of the central road connecting the mountain range and the coastal plain,” said excavation managers Sheila Lifshitz and Maayan Margulis on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority. “that Apparently It served small communities in the area. similarly Travelers passing by. this It is the largest and most important Roman and Byzantine ruin discovered in the area. The find indicates a series of settlements from the early Roman period (1st century AD) to the end of the Byzantine period (late 6th century AD). ”
The mosaic floor of the monastery is decorated with lions, doves, crosses, flowers, amphorae (ceramic shipping jugs), and geometric patterns. A Bible verse is in the center.
discovered by archaeologists some The IAA says that the objects at the monastery include “imported pottery, coins, marble elements, and metal and glass vessels, all of which testify to the presence of a rich and important community here.” “There is,” he said.
“In addition to the monastery, there was also a very sophisticated wine press.” was also excavatedWhich built and has been repaired many times over the years,” the IAA said. “The mosaic floor of the fermentation room and recovery tank is a combination of blue and white stones. in Plastered surface of collection tankYou can see the remains of the red paint. North collecting tank floor is being built Some slabs perform best be seen In Greek letters, it served as a masonry marker for winepress builders. all of These characteristics indicate that the construction and development of this winery required a great deal of money, time, and the work and efforts of various professionals. ”
Photo credit: ©Israel Antiquities Authority
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