Bethlehem - The Nativity: Constantinian church

General description: 

The church was composed of an atrium, a square basilica and an octagon located were an apse should be, on top of the Grotto of the nativity.

Basilicas diemension: 26.5 s.m. (Avi Yonah, 1993) or 27.7X26.8 m. (Ovadiah, 1970)

 

History: 

The was built under the rule of Consatntine. its construction began in 326.

There is a disagreement among scholars if the mosaics are dated to the fourth or fifth century.

The church was damaged in the Samaritans revolt in 529.

Bibliograpy: 
Abbreviation for Journals and Series

Decorations

Item number Location in the architectural complex View
1 Atrium View
2 Nave View
3 Inner south aisle View
4 Inner north aisle View
5 Outer south aisle View
6 Outer north aisle View
7 Octagon View
8 Room north of the octogon View