Ingsoc Posted February 2, 2011 Report Share Posted February 2, 2011 Archaeologists today presented a newly uncovered Byzantine church in the Judean hills, with an unusually well-preserved mosaic floor depicting lions, foxes, fish and peacocks The small basilica dating from the fifth century is located south-west of Jerusalem. It will be visible only for another week before it is covered again with soil for its own protection, said the dig's leader, Amir Ganor of the Israel Antiquities Authority. Ganor said the floor was "one of the most beautiful mosaics to be uncovered in Israel in recent years, unique in its craftsmanship and level of preservation". Archaeologists began digging at the site, known as Hirbet Madras, in December after thieves had begun plundering the site on an uninhabited hill not far from an Israeli farming community. Though a first survey suggested the building was a synagogue, the excavation revealed stones carved with crosses. The building is atop another structure 500 years older, thought to have been Jewish; hewn into the rock underneath is a network of tunnels that archaeologists believe were used by Jewish rebels fighting Roman armies in the second century. Stone steps lead down from the floor of church to a small burial cave, which, it is suggested, might have been venerated as the burial place of the Old Testament prophet Zecharia. http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/feb/02/israel-archeology-byzantine-mosaic-phrophet-zecharia More pics: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Crispina Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 Beautiful. Thanks for sharing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bryaxis Hecatee Posted February 3, 2011 Report Share Posted February 3, 2011 a very fine discovery, a pity the prophet's connexion isn't elaborated on (I'm always most doubtfull when biblical archeology appears in the news, especially in Isra Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GoldenBeetle Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 The mosaic work is beautiful. I hope they get all the snapshots they need within the week. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Viggen Posted February 4, 2011 Report Share Posted February 4, 2011 lots of high resolution pics at Third Age... ...just click on them and they become really big Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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