Paleochristian Architecture: The Discovery of a 1500 Year Old Christian Church in Israel

Approximately ten years ago, the remnants of an ancient church located in Israel were excavated by the Israeli Antiquities Authority. The church, which is put at around 1500 years in age, is located near Moshav Aluma in the south of Israel.  Frequently this church is described as "Byzantine" but given the connotations many have with that term in relation to post-Great Schism Byzantine architectural orderings, it would seem more apt to simply refer to it as a church of the Eastern half of the Roman Empire.

In point of fact, if you look at the basic ordering of the church, what you will find is an extremely familiar arrangement: A forecourt with a well in front, followed by the narthex and then in the church proper a triple nave lined by marble columns terminating at the Eastern end with a semi-circular apse. 

The following overhead view shows you the basic arrangement of the church proper (minus the aforementioned forecourt that sat before, much like San Clemente or San Paolo in Rome).

Suffice it to say, this is an arrangement that is as equally familiar in Rome proper as it is in Byzantium. 

Regrettably little remains of this church at this point, dedicated to an unknown martyr, but what does remain is an impressive mosaic floor that contains many symbols and designs found in the paleochristian world.  Perhaps the most impressive is that which shows the Chi-Rho with the Alpha and Omega suspended by birds and around it a circle and intertwined knotwork. 

Equally of interest is this depiction showing a fisherman scene, perhaps coming with reference to the scriptures and "fishers of men."

Various birds can also be found throughout, along with vegetal elements and fruits such as clusters of grapes. 

Beyond fowl, the floor also contains images of animals such as zebra, leopards, wild boar and even turtles. 

Also found on the floor are dedicatory inscriptions in Greek mentioning Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary as well as the name of the patron who funded these splendid mosaics. 

The site provides a rare glimpse into the decorative splendour of paleochristian liturgical architecture -- which was far from rudimentary or austere -- and also serves a powerful reminder of the shared roots and common liturgical expressions that could be found in the Christian East and West during this period of Christian history. 

-------

Do you like Liturgical Arts Journal's original content? You can help support LAJ in its mission and vision to promote beauty in Catholic worship either by: 

Making a one-time donation or

Subscribing monthly/yearly 

You choose the amount! Your support makes all the difference.