New Byzantine Compound Discovered

November 25, 2014

An archaeological site, south of Beit Shemesh, brought to light remarkable finds during the preliminary survey of blocked cisterns, a cave opening and the tops of several walls which were visible on the surface. These clues resulted in an extensive archaeological excavation that subsequently revealed a prosperous community which was previously unknown.

The compound is surrounded by an outer wall and is divided on the inside into two sections: an industrial area and an activity and residential area. An unusually large press in a rare state of preservation, used to produce olive oil, was discovered in the industrial area. A large winepress, revealed outside the compound, consisted of two treading floors from which the grape juice must have flowed to a large collecting vat. In the residential portion of the compound several rooms were exposed, some of which had a mosaic pavement preserved in them. Two entire ovens used for baking were also found in the compound.

According to Irene Zilberbod and Tehila Libman, excavation directors on behalf of the IAA, “We believe this is the site of a monastery from the Byzantine period. It is true we did not find a church at the site or an inscription or any other unequivocal evidence of religious worship; nevertheless, the impressive construction, the dating to the Byzantine period, the magnificent mosaic floors, windows and roof tile artifacts, as well as the agricultural-industrial installations inside the dwelling compound are all known to us from numerous other contemporary monasteries.”

At some point, which was dated to the beginning of the Islamic period (7th century), the compound ceased to function and was subsequently occupied by new residents. The site will be developed as an archaeological landmark in the heart of the new neighborhood intended to be built there”.

Source: By Edgar Asher, Ashernet

Photo Credit: Ashernet