Abstract
Three Greek inscriptions were discovered in the excavation of a small coenobium at Giv‘ot Bar (Area A). Inscription 1 was set in the mosaic pavement of the chapel, in front of the passage giving access to the easternmost room, which functioned as chancel (presbyterium). The inscription reads: “(cross) Selamon deacon (cross) and administrator and Fidus and Selmon and Zanios apocrisiarius. May the Lord bless the coenobium of Betomorsy. Amen”. Two other inscriptions were painted on building blocks found in the debris at the foot of the northeastern pillar in Room 5, near the entrance of the chapel. Inscription 2 reads: “The blessed Iohannes (son) of [ - - ] came to rest - - -”. Inscription 3 reads: Lord, give rest [to Cyriacus - - ], monk, (who died) in the month of Xanthikos [day] according to the people of Gaza, 5th indiction, year [4]48 (?) according to the people of E[leutheropolis]. The holy hegumen Cyriacus the recluse, may the Lord bless him and give him rest, and - - have mercy, amen”. The presence of two epitaphs at the entrance of the chapel indicates that it also served for burial, at least of the most important members of the community. The date of Cyriacus’ epitaph shows that the monastery was still active in the mid-seventh century.
Recommended Citation
Di Segni, Leah Di Segni
(2023)
"ثلاثة نقوش يونانية من دير چڤعات بار / Three Greek Inscriptions from Giv‘ot Bar,"
Cornerstone: Journal of Archaeological Sites (حجر الزاوية): Vol. 12, Article 17.
Available at:
https://publications.iaa.org.il/cornerstone/vol12/iss1/17
