1500-Year-Old Byzantine Monastery Unearthed North of Kiryat Gat

Photo Credit: Emil Aljem / Israel Antiquities Authority

The Israel Antiquities Authority excavation north of Kiryat Gat.

In a significant archaeological discovery, researchers from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) have uncovered the remains of a Byzantine-era monastery adorned with a colorful mosaic floor bearing a Greek inscription, alongside a sophisticated winepress and other structures. The excavation, carried out in preparation for constructing the new “Karmey Gat North” neighborhood near Kiryat Gat, sheds light on a vibrant and affluent community that thrived in the region for centuries.

A large wine press discovered at the site. / Emil Aljem / Israel Antiquities Authority

At the heart of the monastery lies an intricate mosaic floor featuring depictions of crosses, lions, doves, amphorae, flowers, and geometric patterns. Prominently displayed in Greek is the inscription, “Blessed are you when you come in, and blessed are you when you go out” (Deuteronomy 28:6). The craftsmanship of the mosaic, including the use of minuscule stones to emphasize cross motifs, attests to the artistry and resources invested in the site.

Israel Antiquities Authority’s Maayan Margolis and Shira Lipshitz clean up the mosaic. / Emil Aljem / Israel Antiquities Authority

The excavation also revealed a large winepress, notable for its advanced design and multiple phases of construction and repair. Its mosaic floors incorporate striking blue and white stones, while remnants of red paint can still be seen on the plastered collection vats. Greek letters etched into stone slabs within the vats suggest meticulous planning and skilled labor.

The mosaic, with a cross and an inscription in the center. / Emil Aljem / Israel Antiquities Authority

According to excavation directors Shira Lifshitz and Maayan Margulis, the site’s strategic position at a road junction linking the mountains and the coastal plain likely made it a hub for travelers and nearby settlements. The researchers describe it as the most extensive and significant site from the Roman and Byzantine periods ever discovered in the region, with settlement activity spanning from the 1st to the 6th centuries CE.

The mosaic, a detail. / Emil Aljem / Israel Antiquities Authority

Artifacts unearthed include imported ceramics, coins, glass vessels, and marble fragments, underscoring the wealth and connectivity of the settlement. Evidence of local pottery production—such as kiln debris and defective vessels—suggests a thriving industrial base alongside the monastery and winery.

A few of the relics discovered in the dig near Kiryat Gat. / Emil Aljem / Israel Antiquities Authority

Svetlana Talis, Director of the IAA’s Southern Region, emphasized the historical significance of the find. Plans are underway to relocate the mosaic floor to an open space in Kiryat Gat for public display. Mark Avrahami, Head of Artistic Conservation at the IAA, noted the delicate process required to preserve and transfer such an intricate artifact.

A warehouse and a stove next to it from the Byzantine period. / Shira Lipshitz / Israel Antiquities Authority