Two buildings were discovered in the original excavation, one of which was a church paved with a colorful mosaic.
Photo: Gilad Stern, Israel Antiquities Authority.
Newsroom (25/08/2022 3:30 PM, Gaudium Press) Israeli soldiers have discovered a Byzantine monastery in Horbat Hani, at the foot of the low hills east of Shoham in central Israel. The archaeological discovery occurred a month ago, although the monastery was already found twenty years ago and subsequently covered up to protect it, as the monastery is in a military area.
Two buildings were discovered
According to Issy Kornfeld, Director of Excavations at the Israel Antiquities Authority, a part of the site was damaged during military exercises, because of this, an educational project was started in which the site was reopened and cleaned.
“Two buildings were discovered in the original excavation, one of which was a church paved with a colorful mosaic depicting wildlife and plant scenes, an entrance hall, nuns’ dormitories, hermit cells, a tower with rooms and a crypt, an underground funerary complex. The other building included a kitchen, a refectory, and a hospice for pilgrims,” explained Kornfeld.
Construction may have followed the ancient tradition
Evidence indicates that the convent was for nuns and according to Eitan Klein, an archaeologist from the Israel Antiquities Authority, the construction may have taken place on the burial site of Hannah, mother of the prophet Samuel, according to an ancient tradition. Some female skeletons were also found, possibly of women who wanted to be buried near the hallowed figure of Hannah.
For Eli Eskosido, director of the Israel Antiquities Authority, this initiative “creates an opportunity for all soldiers and army officers. The adoption of archaeological sites on army bases and military areas and the creation of archaeological exhibits on military bases further consolidates the strong link between the defense of the State of Israel and the protection of archaeological sites and our cultural heritage.” (EPC)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
