Bethlehem - The Nativity: Constantinian church

Church/Monastery name: 
Bethlehem - The Nativity: Constantinian church
Inscription number: 
1
Selected bibliography: 
22, figs. 64, 97, 100 (phs.) (ed. pr.)
30, 33, pl. 4 (ph.)
26, 120
22, no. 19, pl. 17 (ph.)
37, no. 38
Abbreviation for Journals and Series
Epigraphical corpora: 

SEG 8: (1937): 236

CIIP IV.1 (2018): 3217 (ph.)

Inscription type: 
invocation/prayer
Location: 

Findspot: North-eastern corner of the central nave, to the left of the old entrance to the grotto. “At the east end of the nave on either side of the steps leading to the octagon there was a small square panel: … and the panel on the north side” had the inscription on it (Crowfoot).

Pres. loc.: In situ. Autopsy: 3 April 2015 (Walter Ameling).

Physical description : 

“A fret pattern enclosed five small square panels on each [side of a stairway], which contain geometric patterns. The central panel of the northern square contains the monogram ΙΧΘΥΣ. This is the only mosaic inscription yet discovered in the Church” (Harvey). The square panel was designed to measure 100x100 tesserae.

Meas.: 74x74 cm (i.e. 2.5 square Roman feet).

Text: 

Ἰ(ησοῦς) Χ(ριστός), θ(εοῦ) υ(ἱός),

σ(ωτήρ).

Translation: 

Jesus Christ, son of God, Savior.

Summary: 

Ichthus formula in a panel of the mosaic floor, in the north-eastern corner of the central nave.