Vertical tabsMonastery name, type, categorySite Name: Modi'in; Giv'at SherMonastery name: MonasteryMonastery type: CenobiumMonastery category: Isolated in the countryside LocationCoordinates, ITM system: 200,111.00644,078.00 Coordinates, ICS system: 150,107.00144,077.00 Geographical region: Southern and Western SamariaProvincial affiliation: Palaestina IBishopric: DiospolisTopographical location: On a low hill.Distance from nearest bishop-seat: 15 km (Diospolis-Lod)Distance from Roman roads: ca. 5 km from the ancient road connecting the coast with Jerusalem. Source of knowledgeArchaeological remainsExcavated siteExcavators: NameDate Hadad et al.2015-2016 Bibliograpy: Haddad, E., Nadav-Ziv, L., Danziger, O. and Elisha, Y., 2019 Abbreviation for Journals and SeriesState of certainty: Uncertain / Questionable General descriptionState of preservation/which parts were uncovered: Excavation of the site revealed a complex encompassed by a wall, a chapel surrounded by rooms and a cave. Illustrative material: Illustrative_material Photos General descriptionPaths: The monastery overlooks an ancient road a few hundred meters to the north. A path leading up to the monastery was not reported. Enclosing walls: The monastery measures 15 x 18.5 m, its outer, ashlar built walls forming the enclosure. Gate/s: Entrance to the monastery was entered from the east through a doorway where a monumental threshold was uncovered in situ. Courtyards: The entrance on the east leads to a rectangular courtyard, paved in a plain white mosaic. A cross motif is located in the mosaic pavement of the courtyard. Churche/s: The single nave chapel has an apse facing east. A lintle bearing a cross resembling the one found in the courtyard was found in the debris near the apse. bases for chancel screen postes were also found. Dwellings: Several rooms were uncovered in the excavations, some of which were paved in plain white mosaics, others in plaster. The simplicity of these may point to their use as dwelling cells. Cave/s: A natural cave (8 x 9.5 m) is located beneath the western end of the chapel. The cave had been in use before the monastery was established, the excavators did not report on its use during the monastic phase. Evidence of use in later periods (Mameluk and Ottoman) was found. Water installations: A cistern was found nearby. Agricultural and industrial installations: The monastery is located some 300 m from a large farm with several agricultural installations in it. The association between the two is not known but most likely existed. Small finds Detailed descriptionDimensions: Total area (sqm)Size class 270Small StructureMaterials applied (walls): Limestone ComponentsEnclosing wallGate/s: 1Courtyard/sMonastery church: Church typeDiakonikonLink to church sectionChurch location single naveGround floor Dwelling type: cellsNumber of stories: 1Water installations: CisternsInscribed crosses Architectural evolutionPhase 1 Abandonment General outline: A church paved with mosaic, adjacent rooms, a cave and a cistern make up the site.Phase dateCentury: Early Christian / Byzantine Phase dateCentury: Unknown Post conquest history comments: In the Early Islamic period, the courtyard was divided by a constructed wall.
