[Israel Antiquity Authority]
Archaeologists in southern Israel have uncovered a 1,500-year-old Byzantine monastery near Kiryat Gat, complete with a stunning mosaic floor and remnants of daily life.
The mosaic, adorned with Greek inscriptions, geometric designs and animal motifs, features a biblical quote from Deuteronomy: “Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out.” This suggests the monastery’s role as both a spiritual and communal center.
Excavations also revealed a winepress, indicating that the site was an economic hub. The monastery, part of a settlement active from the Roman to the Byzantine period, offers rare insights into early Christian monastic life in the region.
The Israel Antiquities Authority plans to conserve the artifacts, including the mosaic, which will be displayed publicly in Kiryat Gat. The discovery sheds light on southern Israel’s vibrant history and the intersection of faith, art and agriculture in the Byzantine era.