1,600-Year-Old Byzantine-Era Samaritan Villa Discovered in Central Israel

Archaeologists in Israel have uncovered a lavish 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate, complete with intricate mosaics, an olive oil press, and a ritual bath, shedding new light on the Byzantine-era community that once thrived in the region.

The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducted the excavation at Khirbat Kafr Hatta, in northern Kafr Qasim, ahead of construction for a new neighbourhood. The site revealed the remains of a wealthy Samaritan settlement that flourished for approximately 300 years, from the late Roman period to the end of the Byzantine era. Historical sources identify the area as the birthplace of Menander the Magician, a Samaritan disciple of Simon Magus, known for founding Gnostic sects and opposing early Christianity.

Excavation directors Ella Nagorsky and Dr. Daniel Leahy Griswold highlighted the estate’s grandeur: “The size and magnificence of the buildings, the architectural elements, the quality of the mosaics, and the impressive agricultural installations point to the prosperity of the Samaritan community here over many years.”

Among the most striking finds was a richly decorated mosaic floor, featuring dense geometric patterns and plant motifs. The central medallion combines acanthus leaves with rare depictions of fruits and vegetables, including grapes, dates, watermelon, artichoke, and even asparagus. At the room’s entrance, a partially preserved Greek inscription reads “Good Fortunes,” offering a blessing to the estate’s owner.

The northern section of the estate contained an olive oil production complex with spacious storage rooms and a public-style ritual bath (mikveh), where workers immersed themselves before pressing olives to ensure ritually pure oil. The oil press included two screw presses and a large crushing stone in the northern wing, with auxiliary rooms in the south. Nagorsky noted that such presses are more common in Jerusalem and the Judean lowlands, making this find in Samaria particularly significant.

Over time, the estate’s focus shifted from luxury to agriculture. Mosaic floors were damaged when new walls were built, and ornate columns and capitals were reused in later constructions. Nagorsky suggested these changes may relate to the Samaritan revolts against Byzantine rule in the 5th and 6th centuries CE, when non-Christian communities faced restrictions. “Interestingly, unlike some sites destroyed during those revolts, the estate at Kafr Qasim preserved its Samaritan identity, as indicated by distinctive Samaritan oil lamps,” she added.

“This site presents a unique glimpse into both the prosperity and eventual transformation of the Samaritan community,” Nagorsky said. “Its long history and rich array of artifacts will help us reconstruct its past and deepen our understanding of this ancient population.”

(Source: Jerusalem Post)

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