It is unknown to whom the 1,500 yr-old structure near Jerusalem is dedicated to, but its size & rich trappings of the most complete collection of Byzantine glass windows and lanterns ever found in one excavation site leads archaeologists to believe it was a popular pilgrimage site, until it was abandoned in the 9th century CE.

By Ynet, Agencies

Israeli archaeologists this week revealed the elaborately decorated Byzantine church dedicated to an anonymous martyr that was recently uncovered near Jerusalem.

The Israel Antiquities Authority showcased some of the finds from the nearly 1,500-year-old structure, whose compound covers around one third of an acre, after three years of excavations. The findings will be exhibited at Jerusalem’s Bible Lands Museum.

The Byzantine church uncovered near Jerusalem – Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority

An inscription on a mosaic says the site was built in honor of a “glorious martyr.” The martyr is not identified, but other inscriptions commemorate the empire’s expansion under the sixth-century ruler Justinian and one of his successors, Tiberius II Constantine.

Because of the church’s size and rich trappings, archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority believe it was a popular pilgrimage site until it was abandoned during the Muslim Abbasid caliphate in the 9th century CE.

A mosaic floor at the Byzantine church uncovered near Jerusalem – Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority

The elaborate design of the church, including a lattice marble chancel, calcite flowstone baptismal and floor mosaic depicting an eagle, a symbol of the Byzantine Empire, shows the site’s notable funding and significance.

The excavation’s director, Benjamin Storchan, said it showcases a phenomenon known as “imperial church building.”

Excavation director Benjamin Storchan. – Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority

He said the empire maintained important sites and supported a tourist industry. “They took part in ensuring the development of pilgrimage routes,” he said.

“The crypt, which is one of the few preserved so well, is an underground space where the martyr’s remains were kept. ” Storchan said, “two staircases led in and out of it probably to enable pilgrims to visit.”

The site was discovered during construction of a new residential neighborhood.

It covers 1,500 square meters (16,000 square feet) and includes a large courtyard, a corridor and the basilica-style church.

Byzantine church uncovered near Jerusalem – Photo: Israel Antiquities Authority

Thousands of artifacts were found, including what appears to be the most complete collection of Byzantine glass windows and lanterns ever found in one excavation site.

Following the collapse of the Byzantine Empire, the church entrances were sealed shut with large stones which excavators opened to find glass lamps, mosaics and a piece of the vault where the unknown martyr was buried.

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https://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-5612556,00.html