Ma'ale Adumim; Kh. Murassas - Main church

General description: 

Mosaic paves the entrance hall, one of two adjoining service rooms (diaconicon), narthex, nave and prothesis.The coloreful mosaics feature round and hexagonal frames depicting animals. The walls are plastered with colored stucco. Addtionaly, the church contains a mosaic in front of the bema with a greek inscription dedicated to the memory of of the monk Ioannis and mentioning archimandrite Genesius.

 

History: 

In its current state the mosaics date to a later period of the second half of the 6th century. Neverthless, the mosaics reflect the several building stages of the church that stretch across a period of 130 years. For example, an earlier mosaic dated perhaps to the time of Martirius (5th century), was uncovered 50 cm beneath the present floor.

Dameges: A wall build between the nave and the narthex during the 6th century has dameged the mosaics. The nave mosaic in turn, was completely dismantled by robbers.  

 

 

Abbreviation for Journals and Series

Decorations

Item number Location in the architectural complex View
1 Narthex View
2 Nave View
3 Martyrion View
4 Diaconicon View