Archaeologists working in Israel’s Negev Desert have uncovered the remains of a 1,400-year-old Byzantine church at the ancient site of Nessana, located within modern-day Nitzana National Park. The discovery, led by researchers from Ben Gurion University of the Negev, revealed a beautifully preserved mosaic floor decorated with intricate geometric patterns and floral designs. Though much of the original structure was later buried beneath concrete during the Ottoman era, the surviving mosaic offers new insight into the region’s importance during the Byzantine period.

Researchers believe the settlement served as a major pilgrimage hub for Christians traveling toward Mount Sinai, one of the most significant locations in biblical history. Excavations also uncovered a nearby hospitality complex that included a hospice and bathhouse, suggesting the site was designed to support large numbers of travelers. Ancient graffiti found at the location indicates pilgrims arrived from distant regions such as Armenia and Georgia, highlighting the global significance of this desert outpost during the sixth and seventh centuries.

SOURCE: WIN