In addition to establishing an informative corpus that is entirely new in the case of monasteries and updated in the case of churches (see below), the research will reassess the existing studies, based on a much fuller list of sites, structures, and written sources. Information derived from the literary sources and the epigraphic finds will be integrated with the archaeological remains. On the basis of this comprehensive and updated corpus, maps (general, regional and according to bishoprics) will be prepared, and a synthesis will be written, addressing various
aspects such as:
― The chronological evolution in both fields up to the Arab conquest and beyond. The study of the inscriptions is a key element for dating. This information has a bearing on the rate of Christianization of the country and on the survival of the Christian communities under the Muslim regime.
― The location and geographical distribution of the churches and monasteries, resulting in general, regional, and chronological maps (both electronic and in print). This will enable us to differentiate between zones populated mainly by Christians and those occupied by Jews and Samaritans, and to define the borders between them.
― The typology and physical structure of the churches and monasteries, including their ornamentation.
― The bearing of architecture on the daily life of the monks and on the rituals conducted in the churches: the liturgy of the Word and the Eucharist, baptism and the cult of saints and martyrs, burial in churches.
― Inscriptions, which in addition to addressing chronology are an important source of information about Church officials, monastic administration, interrelationships with lay society (both in the urban centers and in the countryside) and more.
― Economic aspects: agricultural installations (wine and oil presses), cultivation of orchards, fields and gardens, handicrafts, donations, imported and locally made wares, imperial, provincial and ecclesiastical involvement, etc.