Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Khan SalibaIdentification: Khan Saliba was identified by Milik (1960) as the church of St. Adam mentioned by Epiphanius Monachus, probably written in the second half of the seventh century CE. Epiphanius attributes the site to the place where Adam, first man, wept when expelled from Eden.Monastery name: ST. ADAMMonastery type: CenobiumMonastery category: DesertSource of sacredness: Old Testament site LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 23,660.0063,710.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 18,660.0013,710.00 Geographical region: Judean DesertProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IBishopric: JerusalemTopographical location: HillsideSoils: Rocky limestoneDistance from nearest bishop-seat: 7 km (Jericho)Distance from nearest settlement: 7 km (Jericho)Distance from Roman roads: Along the ancient road connecting Jerusalem with Jericho. Source of knowledgeHideLiterary sources Text number Summary 1 Mention of a church built where Adam wept in front of the Garden of Eden, from an 8th cent. guidebook for pilgrims. HideEpigraphy Text number Summary 1 One-line building inscription of Paulus the priest, in the mosaic pavement of Room 4. Archaeological remainsSurveyed siteSurveyors: NameDate Hirschfeld1989 Excavated siteExcavators: NameDate Perignaud1963 Bibliograpy: Milik, J. T., 1960586-89 Prignaud, J., 1963243-54 Wilkinson, J., 1977 Provera, M., 197931-35 Ovadiah, R. and Ovadiah, A., 1987 Hirschfeld, Y., 199052-53 Tsafrir, Y., Di Segni, L. and Green, J., 1994167 Schick, R., 1995 Magen, Y. and Kagan, E. D., 2012298-99 Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesDiscussion: Although Epiphanius mentioned a church only, the excavation by Prignaud revealed the remains of a cenobitic monastery. The location of this monastery on the main road leading from Jerusalem to the area of Jericho may suggest that the site served pilgrims travelling on the road.State of certainty: Archaeologically and Literarily definitive General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: Five rooms were excavated and parts of the encompassing wall. The complex most likely extended further to the northwest. Illustrative material: Illustrative_material Figures General descriptionEnclosing walls: The encompassing walls measured 39 x 37 m, enclosing an area of ca. 1443 m2. Gate/s: The main entrance to the complex was through the southern wall. The gateway led directly into the courtyard. Courtyards: The main entrance led to a large courtyard. Churche/s: The church (10.5 x 6.5 m) was located in the southwestern corner of the compound. The entire floor of the church was paved in a mosaic and the walls were plastered. The church had three doors, two in the western wall and a singel door in the northern wall. This door, originally 1 m wide, had been made narrower (0.60 m) after the monastery had been damaged in the early seventh century. Hostelry: According to Perignaud, locus 4 in his excavation, north of the church, served as an entryway for pilgrims and for purposes of the hostelry. This is based on the benches built along the walls and an inscription at the entrance to the hall. Water installations: A large cistern (8 x 8.9 m) was located in the central courtyard. The cistern was partially cut into the rock with two cut pillars in its southern part. the walls were plastered with shards of pottery imbeded in the plaster. The roof of the cistern had collapsed. Small findsSmall finds: CategoryDescription PotteryDated to 8th century. Detailed descriptionDimensions: Total area (sqm)Size class 1,443Medium StructureMaterials applied (walls): LimestoneMaterials applied (roofing): tiles ComponentsEnclosing wallGate/s: 1Courtyard/sMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location single naveGround floor Water installations: Cisterns Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Phase 2 Abandonment General outline: The monastery consisted of a walled compound with a church in the southwestern corner and other structures. A cistern was located in the courtyard.Dating material: The monastery was founded in the sixth century, based on the pottery, roof tiles and mosaic floors. An inscription in the mosaic floor of one of the rooms was in memory of Paul, the abbot during whose term the construction was completed. Phase dateCentury: 6th c. General outline: The monastery may have been damaged in 614 CE. It was later repaired and continued in use.Phase dateCentury: 7th c.Within century: Early General outline: The monastery was destroyed and abandoned sometime in the Early Islamic period, the latest pottery was dated to the eighth century.Dating material: Pottery Phase dateCentury: 8th c. Effects of the Persian Invasion: Damaged and restoredPost Arab conquest history: Still in usePost conquest history comments: The doors of the monastery had been burnt down when the monastery was destroyed, indicating a violent attack.
