A Byzantine monastery with a colorful mosaic floor bearing a Greek inscription has been uncovered during work by the Israel Land Authority on a real estate development in Karmey Gat North.

“This is the largest and most significant site discovered in the region from the Roman and Byzantine periods,” said the Israel Antiquities Authority researchers in press materials. The site lies north of the modern city of Kiryat Gat, which is about 35 miles south of Tel Aviv in the Southern District of Israel. 

The site of a former Byzantine monastery in Kiryat Gat, which is about 35 miles south of Tel Aviv in the Southern District of Israel. Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority

“Blessed are you when you come in and blessed are you when you go out,” reads the message at the center of the monastery floor. It comes from a passage in the Bible’s book of Deuteronomy that describes blessings that will be granted those who obey God’s commands. The imagery in the mosaic floor includes crosses, lions, doves, flowers, and an amphora (a ceramic jug used for maritime shipping) as well as geometric patterns. 

“The mosaic discovered in Kiryat Gat is one of the most unique ever found in Israel,” said Mark Avrahami, head of artistic conservation at the Israel Antiquities Authority. “Transferring mosaics is a complex process that requires great skill and precision. Soon, the ancient mosaic will be moved to the Israel Antiquities Authority’s mosaic workshop for preservation before being displayed in the city.”

Some artifacts from the site of a former Byzantine monastery in Israel. Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority.

At least 10 buildings stood at the site, including the Byzantine monastery, dating from the 5th or 6th century C.E., as well as a wine press and a large warehouse. The site was active as early as the Roman period and turned up plentiful imported wares, coins, marble artifacts, and metal and glass vessels. There are also remnants of pottery production, namely detritus typical of a ceramic factory, along with misshapen vessels and even vessels that are unique to this site. 

“The early settlement is sited on a central road junction connecting the mountain region to the coastal plain,” said Shira Lifshitz and Maayan Margulis, excavation managers on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, in press materials.

Numerous ceramic oil lamps from the Roman and Byzantine periods were discovered during the excavation. Photo: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.

“It apparently served the area’s smaller settlements as well as travelers passing by,” they added. “This is the largest and most significant Roman and Byzantine period site uncovered in this area. The findings indicate a succession of settlement starting from the early Roman period (1st century C.E.) and through until the end of the Byzantine  period (end of the 6th century C.E.).”

Israeli authorities have been busy over the last two years turning up ancient artifacts, including, in December, the earliest known Chinese inscription ever found on a porcelain fragment in the country: a “spectacular” mosaic in the remains of an ancient Roman synagogue in Lower Galilee; and a cave believed to have served as the resting place of Salome, the midwife of Jesus.

Shira Lifshitz, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, holding a rare ceramic bottle shaped like a face. Photo: Emil Aladjem, Israel Antiquities Authority.