1,400-Year-Old Byzantine Church Discovered in Israel

This ancient Byzantine church was dedicated to the Christian martyr Bacchus the Holy, according to archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA).

The remains of the 1,400-year-old Byzantine church at Khirbet Tinshemet, Israel. Image credit: Clara Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority.

The remains of the ancient Byzantine church were discovered at the archaeological site of Khirbet Tinshemet in the Shoham Community Forest, the central part of Israel.

“The impressive Byzantine church, along with other findings, dates back to the 6th century CE, and we suggest identifying it with ‘Beto-Melgasis’ — a church appearing on the Madaba Map mosaic,” IAA archaeologists said in a statement.

The researchers also discovered a unique marble medallion depicting Tyche (Fortuna), goddess of fortune, who was considered the patron of many cities.

The mosaic pavement of the Byzantine church at Khirbet Tinshemet, Israel. Image credit: Clara Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority.

“This medallion, likely created in 582 or 583 CE, intrigues us because it is unique within Byzantine art with no other similar findings,” they said.

“Tyche is a Greek goddess belonging to pagan culture, so it’s surprising to find her at the entrance to a church.”

“The medallion actually reflects a connection between pagan tradition and the developing Christianity, providing a glimpse into the cultural world of that period in the Land of Israel.”

“The church was dedicated to the Christian martyr Bacchus the Holy,” they added.

“An inscription found in the center of the main hall, reflecting a fundamental principle in Christianity, reads: ‘This place belongs to the Lord and the One Son’.”

The ancient marble medallion found at the site of Khirbet Tinshemet, Israel. Image credit: Clara Amit, Israel Antiquities Authority.

The scientists also unearthed a collection of coins from the Byzantine period.

“The coins represent a wide time range — from the 4th to the 8th century CE,” said IAA archaeologist Dr. Hagit Torge.

“This time range indicates the continuity of settlement and economic activity at the site over a long period, beginning in the Byzantine period and continuing into the early Islamic period.”

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