Archaeologists Uncover Large Byzantine Settlement and Monastery with Greek Inscription Near Kiryat Gat

Archaeologists in Israel have unearthed a significant Roman-Byzantine settlement near Kiryat Gat, complete with a monastery, winepress, and ceramics workshop. The discovery, made during pre-construction surveys for a new neighborhood, reveals a prosperous community dating back to the Roman and Byzantine periods.

The monastery features an elaborate mosaic floor with a Greek inscription of a biblical quote from Deuteronomy 28:6. The mosaic also depicts lions, birds, an amphora, flowers, and geometric patterns, showcasing intricate details and sections with unusually small tesserae. Adjacent to the worship hall, archaeologists believe they've identified a refectory.

Evidence suggests the settlement thrived, with a well-used and repeatedly repaired winepress boasting mosaic flooring in its fermentation rooms. A ceramics industry is also apparent, evidenced by kilns, discarded deformed pots, and the production of "Gaza jars" for export. The discovery of imported goods and high-quality glass further indicates the settlement's wealth.

The excavation is ongoing and expected to reveal more about the settlement's size and the lives of its inhabitants. The mosaic floor will be relocated and displayed publicly in Kiryat Gat.