Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Khallet Abu Dhabakh; Khallat Abu DabaḥMonastery name: Monastery (?)Monastery type: CenobiumMonastery category: Isolated in the countryside LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 208,194.00585,458.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 158,188.0085,457.00 Geographical region: Hebron HillsProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IBishopric: EleutheropolisTopographical location: A low hill.Distance from nearest bishop-seat: ca. 45 km (Eleutheropolis)Distance from Roman roads: ca. 0.5 km from the road that connected the eastern Beer Sheva valley with the Judean hills. Source of knowledgeArchaeological remainsSurveyed siteSurveyors: NameDate Meshel, Ben Yosef and Dror 1987 Bibliograpy: Meshel, Z., Ben Yosef, S. and Dror, U., 1987 Tsafrir, Y., Di Segni, L. and Green, J., 1994 Magen, Y. and Kagan, E. D., 2012301-2 Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesDiscussion: Tentatively identified as a monastery, based on the existence of a church with an attached complex of rooms. However, the site has not been excavated and the evidence is not sufficient to ascertain that it was in fact a monastery. State of certainty: Uncertain / Questionable General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: Remains of a complex that includes a church with an attached wing to its north. The structure was constructed of ashlars with walls remaining to a height of 3-4 courses. Illustrative material: Illustrative_material Figures General descriptionEnclosing walls: A fence surrounding the site was observed. Churche/s: A basilica (21 x 11 m) and a narthex could be distinguished. In an interior wall, an opening with doorposts in situ was observed. Two of the prayer hall columns were also found in situ, one belonging to the southwestern part of the bema and having a channel for fitting the chancel screen. The church had a single external apse (2 m deep, 5 m diameter). Dwellings: Several rooms were identified but their use could not be ascertained. Cave/s: A cave was found east of the church. Stable: In one of the rooms of the complex, a cistern was found with a hewn trough next to it, suggesting that the room served as a stable. Water installations: A cistern was located in one of the rooms of the north wing. Small finds Detailed descriptionStructureMaterials applied (walls): Limestone ComponentsMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location basilicalGround floor StableWater installations: CisternsInscribed crosses Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Abandonment Phase dateCentury: 5th-6th c. Phase dateCentury: 7th-8th c.
