Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Deir Abu 'AliMonastery name: Monastery (?)Monastery type: CenobiumMonastery category: Isolated in the countrysideFormer ruin LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 20,130.0062,474.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 15,130.0012,474.00 Geographical region: ShephelahProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IBishopric: EleutheropolisTopographical location: HillDistance from nearest bishop-seat: 18 km (Beth Govrin-Eleutheropolis)Distance from Roman roads: ca. 6 km north of the road leading from beth Govrin-Eleutheropolis to the Judean hills. Source of knowledgeArchaeological remainsSurveyed siteSurveyors: NameDate Conder and Kitchener1871-77 Weis, Zissu and Solimany2004 Ganor and Ganor2010 Bibliograpy: Conder, C. R. and Kitchener, H. H., 188391 Bagatti, B., 1979 Tsafrir, Y., Di Segni, L. and Green, J., 1994109 Bagatti, B., 2002137-8 Weiss, D., Zissu, B. and Solimany, G., 200472 Ganor, S. and Ganor, A., 2010 Magen, Y. and Kagan, E. D., 201284-5 Dayan, A., 2015164 Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesDiscussion: Deir Abu Ali was surveyed several times. Based on the structures, burial cave and other finds, the surveyors were in agreement that the site had been a monastery in the Byzantine period. One might add to the above the name "Deir" which implies that this was a monastery. The most recent survey of the IAA, however, pointed out that no remains of a church were found or remains pointing to the existence of one, such as fragments of chancel screen or tesserae etc. This does not necessarily rule out the possibility of the site having been a monastery since excavations have not been conducted. State of certainty: Uncertain / Questionable General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: Surveys found a square compound with remains of a central structure built of ashlars (25.5 x 12 m). The structure was partially preserved to a height of two courses. The structure was surrounded by a stone fence (100 x 100 m). Illustrative material: Illustrative_material Photos Figures General descriptionEnclosing walls: The central structure is encompassed in a wall (25.5 x 12 m). The area enclosed by a fence is 100 x 100 m. Courtyards: A central courtyard is located in the central structure with two halls flanking it to the north and south. The courtyard (12 x 11 m) is surrounded by walls on all sides. The northern corner is massively built of stones one meter long. Finds in the courtyard: architectural elements, pipe segments, a fragment of a lintel inscribed with a cross within a circle. The southwestern hall (12 x 7 m) is divided into two spaces. The doorjambs were preserved in situ. In the northwestern hall ( 12 x 7.5 m) there is evidence of an internal division but the division is not clear. Burials: The tomb is cruciform and contains three arcosolia hewn into the rock. The walls were plastered and show remains of red and black paint. Human remains were found in the tomb. A corridor opening suggests a second burial area but this was blocked by fallen debris and was not investigated. The built shaft leading to the tomb is similar in construction to the central building. This led the surveyors to opine that it was built simultaneously with the structure. Cave/s: Caves were located in the vicinity, mainly on the southern slope of the site. Water installations: Cisterns were noted mainly on the southern slope of the site. Agricultural and industrial installations: Remains of a winepress and an oil press were found close by. Small finds Detailed descriptionDimensions: Total area (sqm)Size class 3,060Large StructureMaterials applied (walls): Limestone ComponentsEnclosing wallBorder marksCourtyard/sMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location No traces Tombs type: Burial chamberArcosoliumRetaining wallsAgricultural installations: oil press\es [=o/p]wine press\es [=w/p]Water installations: CisternsInscribed crosses Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Abandonment General outline: The site has a central structure surrounded by a fence. The structure consists of a courtyard and two halls. Agricultural installations, cisterns and a burial complex were documented in a survey.Dating material: Based on the pottery and the architecture of the burial cave the complex was dated to the Byzantine period. Phase dateCentury: Early Christian / Byzantine Phase dateCentury: 7th c? Post conquest history comments: In the Ottoman period the caves in the region were used as sheep pens.
