Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Khirbet el-MakhrumIdentification: The identification of Khirbet el-Makhrum with the monastery of Theognius was suggested by Corbo (1951). This identification was accepted by Hirschfeld (1990: 32-33, no. 17). The identification is partially based on the description given by Cyril of Scythopolis (see literary sources).Monastery name: THEOGNIUSMonastery type: CenobiumMonastery category: DesertSource of sacredness: Founder's Tomb LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 22,550.0062,330.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 17,550.0012,330.00 Geographical region: Judean Desert fringesProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IBishopric: JerusalemTopographical location: HilltopDistance from nearest bishop-seat: 10 km (Jerusalem)Distance from nearest settlement: 6 km (Bethlehem)Distance from Roman roads: ca. 6 km east of the road leading south from Jerusalem. Source of knowledgeHideLiterary sources Text number Summary 1 Theognius leaves Calamon, settling in a cave and living a life of extreme asceticism, from a life of Theognius written just after his death AD 522-526. 2 Theognius is frightened by vision of a demon in the disguise as a Saracen. 3 Theognius is ordained bishop of Bitylion but returns occasionally to his monastery. 4 A heavy rain fills the cisterns and a miracle causes bread to suffice for a crowd and the brothers of the monastery. 5 Theognius refuses the abbacy of Flavia's monastery on Mt. of Olives and retreats to a cave in the desert where his coenobium is established. HideEpigraphy Text number Summary 1 Dedicatory inscription of Abbot Aiglon in the mosaic pavement of the courtyard entrance to the complex of the monastery. Archaeological remainsExcavated siteExcavators: NameDate Corbo1954 History: According to Cyril of Scythopolis, Theognius retired to a cave near the monastery of Theodosius and built the monastery around the cave. This took place sometime around 490 CE.Bibliograpy: Palmer, E. H., 1881308 Conder, C. R. and Kitchener, H. H., 1883120 Vailhé, S., 190078-79 Corbo, V. C., 19518-11 Corbo, V. C., 1954570-75 Corbo, V. C., 1955151-55 Noret, J., 1971132 Ovadiah, R. and Ovadiah, A., 198794 Hirschfeld, Y., 199032-33 Cohen, R., 19931067-70 Tsafrir, Y., Di Segni, L. and Green, J., 1994176 Di Segni, L., 2005257-258 Magen, Y. and Kagan, E. D., 2012111 Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesState of certainty: Archaeologically and Literarily definitive General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: Corbo's excavation showed that the site consisted of two wings located on two levels. The northwestern wing, consisting of a courtyard and a structure that might have been the monastery church, was not excavated. The southeastern wing, at a lower level was excavated revealing dwelling cells. Illustrative material: Illustrative_material Figures General descriptionEnclosing walls: ca. 81 x 69 m. Courtyards: A courtyard (not excavated) was located in the northwestern wing. It was paved with stone flags and had a cistern on one side. Churche/s: The church of the monastery, apparently located in the northwestern wing, was not excavated. Dwellings: Dwelling cells were identified in the excavated wing. Refectory: The southern part of the complex consisted of a long and narrow building (22 x 6.5 m) that had had two stories and probably served as the monastery’s refectory (on the top floor) and kitchen. The roof was supported by six arches. Kitchen: See refectory section. Water installations: A cistern was located in the courtyard. Small findsSmall finds: CategoryDescription Inscription - see under epigraphyAn 8 line Greek inscription in a circle (1.3 m diameter). PotteryDated to sixth century. OtherA fragement of carved altar colonette. Detailed descriptionDimensions: Total area (sqm)Size class 5,000Large StructureMaterials applied (walls): Limestone ComponentsEnclosing wallCourtyard/sMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location unknownGround floor RefectoryNumber of stories: 2 Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Abandonment General outline: The monastery was dated by Corbo to the sixth century CE.Dating material: Based on the construction and on the pottery. Phase dateCentury: 6th c. Phase dateCentury: 7th c?
