Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Ḥorvat Gerarit; Kh. Umm JerarIdentification: Hirschfeld suggested identifying the remains at H. Gerarit as the monastery of Silvanus, probably a laura (Hirschfeld 2004: 70-72). This suggestion was rejected by Di Segni who denied that the site was a monastery (Di Segni 2007: 646).Monastery name: SILVANUS (?)Monastery type: LauraMonastery category: Village LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 146,412.00591,992.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 96,408.0091,990.00 Geographical region: North-Western NegevProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IBishopric: Saltus GerariticusTopographical location: On the north bank of Nahal Habesor in an area of relatively level ground.Soils: LoesDistance from nearest bishop-seat: ca. 11 km (Gaza)Distance from nearest settlement: ca. 0.5 kmDistance from Roman roads: ca. 5 km east of the road connecting Gaza with Rafa Source of knowledgeHideLiterary sources Text number Summary 1 Mention of Silvanus and his life among the monks of Palestine, from an ecclesiastical history written AD 440-450. 2 Abbot Zechariah of the cœnobium at Gerari finds an ancient account of the Prophet Zechariah. EpigraphyArchaeological remainsSurveyed siteSurveyors: NameDate Guérin1868-69 Excavated siteExcavators: NameDate Porath1977 Bibliograpy: Guérin, V., 1869262-75 Chitty, D. J., 196672 Porath, J., 197737-8 Hirschfeld, Y., 200470-72 Di Segni, L., 200441-59 Di Segni, L., 2016185*-98* Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesDiscussion: The remains at H. Gerarit were tentatively identified as a monastery, based on the remains of structures adjacent to a basilical church. Di Segni argues that the inscription shows that it did not belong to a monastic foundation as no abbot is mentioned, and in the ruins there is no trace of a monastery attached to the church (Di Segni 2007: 646; 2016: 190*). State of certainty: Uncertain / Questionable General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: Remains of a church were found along with a mosaic pavement containing an inscription. Several structures were located nearby. The site was in a very poor state of preservation, most of the stones had been scavenged. The southern aisle and part of the nave had been washed away by flood water and robbers' trenches were found in the mosaic paving. Illustrative material: Illustrative_material Figures General descriptionChurche/s: Remains of a basilica were idenified at the site, most of its stones having been robbed. The remains of a colorful mosaic were found, the best preserved of which were in the north aisle featuring geometric motifs and crosses. The mosaic included a medalion with a seven line, dated Greek inscription. Dwellings: Some structures were found adjacent to the church. The function of these structures has not been determined. Water installations: Two cisterns were located in the vicinity. Small finds Detailed descriptionComponentsMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location basilicalGround floor Water installations: CisternsWater capacity (minimal) (cubic m): 2Inscribed crosses Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Phase 2 Abandonment General outline: The foundation of the monastery can be assumed to be parallel to others in the area, possibly late fifth or sixth century CE. The only anchor date is the one found in the mosaic pavement which probably does not date the foundation.Phase dateCentury: 5th-6th c. General outline: Some renovations apparently took place, especially the laying of the mosaic pavement.Dating material: A medallion containing a seven line inscription was found in the mosaic paving of the church, dated to 598 CE. Phase dateCentury: 6th c.Within century: Late Phase dateCentury: 7th c?
