Unique Structure Discovered

March 18, 2007

IAA archaeologists reported: “The building indeed dates to the Byzantine-Islamic period, but the nature of it and its purpose are unclear.” Dr. Eli Yannai, director of the excavation, noted that such buildings were usually built to commemorate an important historic event. “It can be a building that was erected in memory of a person who was martyred because of his religious beliefs, a miracle that occurred at the site, or a visit by a saint,” Yannai said.

The excavation unearthed the remains of a large 24-acre settlement that dates from the Early Islamic period to the Crusader period. Residential buildings, villas, public buildings, streets and alleys, and an industrial region that includes agricultural installations, such as a winery, were discovered at the site.

Evidence of Jewish and Christian populations, possibly prior to conversion to Islam, was also found. The findings that support this assumption are Christian symbols, such as crosses on clay lamps and ancient Greek inscriptions that mention “the mother of God”––a Christian saying that was characteristic of the Byzantine period. Two Jewish ritual baths with a water cistern were also found in two houses. Yet, the bronze coins that were recovered at the site bear the names of caliphs from the Early Islamic period, and some of them were struck with the following Arabic inscription: “There is no god but Allah, and Muhammad is his servant.”

Will we ever know the purpose of this mysterious structure? Will the story of these Jewish, Christian, and Muslim populations ever be known? Maybe further digging will unveil the secrets yet untold by these stone remains.

By Charleeda Sprinkle

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