Paragraph:
II, 2, 1-4
Translation:
THE PLACE OF THE LORD'S BIRTH
(1) In the corner of this city on the extreme east is a natural half-cave. The innermost part of it is called the Lord's Manger, in which the Mother laid her Son when he was born. (2) But what is said to have been the actual place of the Lord's Birth is near the Manger, but closer to the entrances. (3) Thus this Bethlehem Cave of the Lord's Manger has been adorned all over its inner surface with precious marble, in honour of the Saviour. (4) Above the stone room, belonging to this half-cave, and the particular place where the Lord is said to have been born, has been built a Church of Saint Mary of generous size.
(transl. Wilkinson)
Bibliografical ref.:
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Summary:
Description of the church of the Nativity, from an itinerary of ca. AD 681-684, composed ca. 698.