A dig to lay new cable for the Partner communications company near Damascus Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem this summer unearthed a very old missed message: a 1,500-year-old mosaic floor bearing a Greek inscription. Dr. Leah Di Segni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem deciphered the inscription, which reads: "In the time of our most pious Emperor Flavius Justinian, also this entire building Constantine the most God-loving priest and abbot, established and raised, in the 14th indiction." Di Segni explained that 'indiction' was an ancient method of counting years for taxation purposes and that based on historical sources, the mosaic can be dated to the year 550-551 C.E. David Gellman, who directed the excavation for the Israel Antiquities Authority, explained that the inscription's survival was a "small miracle." "The excavation in a relatively small area, exposed ancient remains that were severely damaged by infrastructure groundwork over the last few decades. We were about to close the excavation, when all of a sudden, a corner of the mosaic inscription peeked out between the pipes and cables. Amazingly, it had not been damaged. Every archaeologist dreams of finding an inscription in their excavations, especially one so well preserved and almost entirely intact," Gellman said. Gellman noted that Damascus Gate served as the main entrance to Jerusalem for hundreds of years, so it comes as no surprise at its surrounding area is rich in archaeological remains. "In the Byzantine period, with the emergence of Christianity, churches, monasteries and hostels for pilgrims were built in the area north of the gate, and the area became one of the most important and active areas of the city," Gellman explained. Emperor Flavius Justinian was one of the most important rulers of the Byzantine period. Under his reign, the Roman Empire was at its strongest and completed its conversion to Christianity. In 543 C.E., Flavius Justinian founded the large Nea Church in Jerusalem, dedicated to Mary, mother of Jesus. According to Di Segni, the inscription found near Damascus Gate is similar to an inscription found in the vaults of the Nea Church, currently on display at the Israel Museum.
Credit: Reuters
According to Di Segni, "This inscription commemorates the founding of the building by Constantine, the priest. The inscription names the emperor, Flavius Justinian. It seems that the building was used as a hostel for pilgrims."
