Byzantine

Archaeologists uncover ‘oldest nursing home' in Israel

While historical texts from the fifth and sixth centuries mention nursing homes, this is the first time a clear, physical artifact has been found that can be directly linked to them.

|ByJOANIE MARGULIES
An ancient Byzantine-era mosaic in Hippos-Sussita, Israel, which reads "Peace on the elders." It is believed to be a sign of an ancient institution that cared for the elderly.
A 2000-year-old gold ring discovered during excavations in Susita National Park.

Archaeologists find 2,000-year-old gold ring in excavation of Israeli national park

“I was amazed by the find. To my delight, I also discovered a pair of gold earrings, but the ring, with its small and unique design, really moved me," volunteer Eddie Lipsman said.

|ByYOAV ETIEL, JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Prusias ad Hypium antique city in Duzce, Turkey.

Early Byzantine chapel and complex discovered at Konuralp Ancient Theatre

Findings include mosaics, apses, and possibly a larger complex from the early Byzantine period.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Kissufim Floor Mosaic from the 6th century CE depicts a camel carrying amphorae resembling Gazan jars found in the Negev Desert.

New research reveals how Byzantine farmers adapted to droughts in the Negev's wine industry

“Our findings show how difficult it was to maintain agriculture in the desert and how vulnerable the system was during periods of prolonged drought," the researchers concluded.

|ByJOANIE MARGULIES

Stunning 1,600-year-old Byzantine mosaic unveiled in Western Negev

Known as the Be’er Shema (Birsama) mosaic, it stands out as one of the most impressive ancient mosaics found in southern Israel.

MAY 27, 2025ByJOANIE MARGULIES
The Be'er Shema (Birsama) mosaic, discovered over 30 years ago near Kibbutz Urim, dates back approximately 1,600 years.

Byzantine marble imports to Phoenician villages traced to Turkey, Greece

Study links marble objects from Porphyreon and Chhim to quarries in Turkey, Greece.

MARCH 26, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Arch of Hadrian at the Al-Bass Tyre necropolis. UNESCO world heritage in Lebanon.

Byzantine monastery in Northern Negev reveals monastic life in the desert

Archaeologists uncover rare Byzantine-era structures near Beersheba, including a monastery, winepress, and burials.

MARCH 24, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Byzantine monastery and farmhouse found in Northern Negev reveal monastic life in the desert.

Louvre acquires Lebanese collector Georges Abou Adal's 272 eastern Christian icons

Among the works is a rare set of icons from the 17th-century renewal of the Greek Patriarchate of Antioch, created by Arabic-speaking Christians in Syria, Lebanon, Aleppo, and Jerusalem.

FEBRUARY 27, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Israeli researchers unearth unique Byzantine-era monastery near Kiryat Gat

"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.

JANUARY 6, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Byzantine era monastery uncovered near Kiryat Gat

Church walls in Negev reveal depiction of 1,500-year-old contemporary ships

The excavations are part of a town’s expansion program for opening a new neighborhood for Rahat and suburban residents led by the Authority for Development and Settlement of the Bedouin in the Negev.

MAY 23, 2024ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
The remains of the church discovered in Rahat.

Vatican hides ancient Byzantine relics that are divine heritage of Jews and Christians - opinion

"Baldwin’s Treasure" is a premier collection of Byzantine sacred antiquities, including rare Christian and Jewish objects, currently held discreetly in Vatican museums.

MAY 19, 2024ByHARRY HIRSCHEL MOSKOFF
ROMAN/BYZANTIUM Solomonic candlesticks are included in the Heritage Collection.

Reservists find perfectly preserved, 1,500-year-old oil lamp

Reservists discover a perfectly-preserved, 1,500-year-old pottery oil candle in IDF staging area.

DECEMBER 26, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
"It was covered in mud, I cleaned it and called the Antiquities Authority," soldiers said of their  

Israel uncovers ancient Christian inscription from Book of Psalms

Unearthing ancient faith: A Byzantine Greek inscription paraphrasing verse 86 in the Book of Psalms was found in an ancient fortress in the Judean Desert.

SEPTEMBER 27, 2023ByJUDY SIEGEL-ITZKOVICH
The archeological team cleans the Hyrcania site.

Ancient 'magic mirror' discovered in northern Israel by youth leader

Magic mirrors were used to protect against the Evil Eye in ancient times.

AUGUST 3, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Youth leader Aviv Weizman holding the magic mirror plaque she discovered at Usha

Was the ancient napalm, Greek Fire, a Jewish invention?

Greek fire was the deadliest weapon of the Middle Ages and its recipe is still a great mystery to this day.

JULY 30, 2023ByYARON ZILBERSTEIN/WALLA!
Use of a hand-siphon, a portable flame-thrower, from a siege tower. Detail from the medieval manuscript Codex Vaticanus Graecus 1605.