The Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) has uncovered a Christian monastery dating back to the 5th-6th centuries AD near the city of Kiryat Gat. On an intricate mosaic floor, researchers discovered a biblical verse in Greek that blesses all who read it: “Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out.”
Scholars have described the monastery as one of the most significant discoveries made in this region in recent years.
What Did the Researchers Report?
The monastery was built during the time of the Byzantine Empire, also known as the Eastern Roman Empire. During this period, Christianity was rapidly spreading, evidenced by the construction of significant religious sites, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem.
The recently discovered monastery is situated on the site of an ancient settlement that dates back to the Roman era.
“This is the most significant Roman and Byzantine period monument found in this area,” stated excavation leaders Shir Lifshitz and Maayan Margulis.
“The mosaic discovered in Kiryat Gat is one of the most unique ever found in Israel,” said Mark Avrahami, head of the IAA’s art restoration department.
According to the researchers, the uniqueness of this mosaic lies in its geometric pattern, created by ancient artisans using small pebbles. In addition to the biblical verse, the floor also features images of crosses, lions, doves, an amphora, flowers, and decorative motifs.
Scientists plan to transfer the mosaic to a restoration workshop soon, and after restoration, it will be displayed for public viewing. “Moving the mosaic is a complex process that requires great skill and precision,” noted Mark Avrahami.
What Else Did Archaeologists Discover During the Excavations?
In addition to the monastery, researchers also uncovered the ruins of at least ten buildings, a wine press, and a large storage facility.
The researchers described the wine press as “very complex,” adding that its construction likely required “significant financial resources, time, and a range of professional skills and efforts.” According to the scientists, wine produced in this area was likely sold throughout Byzantium and across the Mediterranean.
The team also found a large number of artifacts, including imported goods, marble fragments, and metal and glass vessels. Numerous signs of local pottery production were also discovered during the excavations. All of this points to a “wealthy and large community that lived here,” the researchers reported.
The settlement was located at a central crossroads connecting the mountainous region to the coastal plain, as reported by the Daily Mail.
The Byzantine Empire existed from 330 to 1453 AD. Its rule began when Emperor Constantine divided the Roman Empire into western and eastern parts. Constantinople, the capital of Byzantium, was conquered by the Ottoman Turks in 1453, marking the end of over a thousand years of imperial rule.
“The discovery of this site highlights the historical richness of Kiryat Gat and its surroundings, shedding light on the area’s key role in ancient times,” noted Svitlana Talis, director of the IAA’s Southern Region.