Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Ḥorvat BodedaMonastery name: Monastery (?)Monastery type: CenobiumMonastery category: DesertFormer ruin LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 190,484.00390,536.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 140,479.00890,531.00 Geographical region: Eilat RegionProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IIIBishopric: AilaTopographical location: Level groundDistance from nearest bishop-seat: ca. 15 km (Aila)Distance from nearest settlement: ca. 15 km (Aila)Distance from Roman roads: ca. 5 km east of the road leading from Aila to Gaza. Source of knowledgeEpigraphyArchaeological remainsSurveyed siteSurveyors: NameDate Rothenberg1965 Excavated siteExcavators: NameDate Meshel and Sass1974 Bibliograpy: Rothenberg, B., 1967297 Meshel, Z. and Sass, B., 1974284-85 Mashel, Z. and Sass, B., 197439 Ovadiah, A. and De Silva, C. G., 1981219-20 Figueras, P., 1995401-50 Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesDiscussion: The identification of the site as a monastery is most likely erroneous. An examination of the site by Meshel and Sass confirmed its identification as a quarry and the piles of stones, previously thought to have been buildings, as refuse heaps supported by retaining walls and giving the impression of buildings and streets (Meshel and Sass 1974: 285). Three structures were found at the site, one identified as a chapel, indicating a Christian population but not necessarily a monastic one. State of certainty: Uncertain / Questionable General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: The site was partially excavated. Some structures were exposed including a structure that was identified as a chapel. General descriptionPaths: According to the surveyor, the structures in the complex were arranged along well planned alleys. These were partially hewn into the hillside. However, the heaps initially identified as structures may have been quarrying refuse. Churche/s: An elongated structure with an east-west orientation was identified as a chapel. Drawings were found on the walls of the structure along with crosses and Greek inscriptions. Dwellings: No structures were specifically identified as dwellings but it is not inconceivable that some of the structures served as such for the workers of the quarry. In one of the structures (2 x 2 m), a large number of ostracons written in Greek were found. A large structure contained four rooms with vaulted roofs. In the walls there were deep niches, the function of which was not identified. Storage facilities: Some of the structures were identified as storerooms. Water installations: A large number of pottery shards were identified as broken water jugs. Agricultural and industrial installations: The site was a large quarry attested by the signs of quarrying and remains of refuse around the site. Small findsSmall finds: CategoryDescription PotteryA large number of broken water jugs were found in a layer of ash at the entrance to an apsidal structure. OtherA large number of ostracons were found in a layer of ash near the entrance to a structure. Detailed descriptionComponentsMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location single naveGround floor Storage facilities – warehousesBuilt pathsRetaining wallsPainted plasterInscribed crosses Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Abandonment General outline: A number of structures were arranged along well planned alleys in an area that served as a quarry, dated to the late Byzantine period.Dating material: Pottery Phase dateCentury: 6th-7th c. Phase dateCentury: Unknown
