Abstract
The phrase ‘where [or: when] least expected’ is rarely used in archaeology. In fact, when excavating a cesspit, the opposite is often true. Cesspits are precisely where archaeologists expect to uncover hoards of household artifacts, like pottery and glass, or sometimes valuables, dislocated sculptures and even skeletons. In this regard, the excavation at the Knights’ Hotel site in ‘Akko is no exception. Four richly decorated marble fragments were found in a cesspit, integrated in the shaft’s wall as part of repair work. A stylistic analysis, and consideration of the historical context of their deposition, revealed an unexpected possibility regarding their origin.
Keywords
Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem, Crusader ‘Akko, Acre, Church of St. John, fleur-de-lis, liturgical furniture, marble sculpture
Recommended Citation
Shotten-Hallel, Vardit R.
(2025)
"Fragments of a Crusader-Period Chancel Screen from ‘Akko, the Knights’ Hotel Site,"
'Atiqot: Vol. 118, Article 23.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.70967/2948-040X.2335
Available at:
https://publications.iaa.org.il/atiqot/vol118/iss1/23
Included in
Agriculture Commons, Biblical Studies Commons, History of Art, Architecture, and Archaeology Commons