Israel: discovery of a 6th century Byzantine church in Jericho
The size of this 6th century church and the materials used in its construction suggest that it may have been one of the largest churches in the region.
On January 11, in Israel, the Civil Administration announced that it had discovered an ancient Byzantine church near Jericho, probably built in the 6th century.
The mosaic floor of this 250 square meter church is particularly well preserved, whereas it could have been destroyed by the major earthquake of 749. Vines and animals are represented there. This mosaic will be reproduced and exhibited in the Good Samaritan Museum near Ma'ale Adumim.
The building materials are precious, since the church contains in particular columns of marble and asphalt, materials not found in the region. Experts consider that it may have been one of the largest churches in the region.
The head of archeology for the civil administration, Hanania Hizmi, says she wants to "continue to work to discover and preserve the history of Judea and Samaria".
MC
source: The Jerusalem Post
