Outstanding discovery in Israel: a Byzantine monastery with precious mosaic floor and Greek inscription

During archaeological excavations conducted by the Israel Antiquities Authority in Kiryat Gat, southern Israel, a monastery dating back to the Byzantine period was discovered, embellished with a multicolored mosaic floor and a Greek inscription. The exceptional discovery also includes a sophisticated wine press and numerous buildings from the Roman and Byzantine periods.

According to archaeologists, “this is the largest and most significant site ever discovered in the region, dating from the Roman and Byzantine periods.” To ensure its preservation, the mosaic floor will be moved to an area of the city and made accessible to the general public. In the center of the monastery floor, a Greek inscription bears the biblical verse, “Blessed shall you be when you enter, and blessed shall you be when you leave” (Deut. 28:6).

The mosaic, dating from the 5th-6th centuries AD, features crosses, lions, doves, an amphora, and floral and geometric motifs. The minute stones that form the designs underscore the artistic quality of the work, which was probably made with significant economic and professional investment.

The excavation, conducted north of Kiryat Gat near Beer Sheva, revealed the remains of at least ten buildings, including the monastery, a warehouse, and an extremely sophisticated wine press. The latter, built and modified several times over the centuries, testifies to the centrality of wine production in the local economy. The fermentation and collection tanks feature unique details, such as mosaics in blue and white stones and traces of red paint on the plasterwork. Excavations have unearthed numerous artifacts, including imported ceramics, coins, marble elements, metal and glass vessels, indicating the prosperity and cultural significance of the local community.

According to Shira Lifshitz and Maayan Margulis, who were responsible for the excavations, “the site is in a strategic location along an important road junction between the mountainous region and the coastal plain. It is the largest and most significant Roman and Byzantine site discovered in the area, with evidence of settlement continuity from the 1st to the 6th century AD.”

“This discovery illuminates the historical richness of Kiryat Gat and its surroundings, highlighting the region’s central role in antiquity. The mosaic floor will be moved to a public area for all to admire its beauty and historical significance,” said Svetlana Talis, director of the Southern Region for the Israel Antiquities Authority.

“The mosaic unearthed is among the most unique ever discovered in Israel. Transferring it is a complex process that requires precision and great expertise. Soon the mosaic will be restored at the laboratory of the Antiquities Authority and then displayed to the community,” added Mark Avrahami, head of Art Conservation.

This extraordinary discovery represents a key chapter in understanding the history of Kiryat Gat and the cultural heritage of the entire region.

Outstanding discovery in Israel: a Byzantine monastery with precious mosaic floor and Greek inscription

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