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Thursday, September 18, 2014

Byzantine monastery near Beit Shemesh?

EXCAVATION: Israeli archaeologists said to have uncovered monastery in dig near Beit Shemesh. Archaeologists said that the compound is divided into an industrial area and a residential area, leading them to believe that it may have been a monastery (Jerusalem Post)
Israeli archaeologists on Thursday announced the discovery of a Byzantine-era oil and wine press near Beit Shemesh.

The Israel Antiquities Authority said that an excavation along the hills south of Beit Shemesh revealed a number of interesting findings, including blocked cisterns, a cave opening, and the tops of several walls.

Archaeologists said that the compound is divided into an industrial area and a residential area, leading them to believe that it may have been a monastery.

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But there's no sign of a church there.