Cells of Choziba (cell no. 13) - Chapel (cell no. 13)
Church Name, type, function
Site Name:
Cells of Choziba (cell no. 13)
Identification:
The chapel was identified by Patrich as a private chapel belonging to a hermit of Choziba.
Church name:
Chapel (cell no. 13)
Functional Type:
Hermitage chapel
Church type:
Chapel
Location
Coordinates, ITM system:
240.20
639.72
Coordinates, ICS system:
190.20
1,139.72
Geographical region:
Judean Desert
Topographical location:
Cliff
Distance from nearest bishop-seat:
ca. 4 km (Jericho)
Distance from nearest settlement:
ca. 4 km (Jericho)
Distance from Roman roads:
ca. 4 km from the Jordan Valley road.
Provincial affiliation:
Palaestina I
Bishopric:
Jerusalem
Source of knowledge
Literary sources:
Literary sources
Epigraphy:
Archaeological remains
Surveyed site
Surveyors:
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
Koikylides | 1901 |
Meinardus | 1964-1965 |
Patrich | 1986-1987 |
History:
The development of the monastery of Choziba was gradual. In its early phase, the site was consecutively occupied by five hermits of Syrian origin: Promos, Elias, Gannaeus, Aias and Zenon (Anthony of Choziba, Miraculae beatae virginis Mariae in Choziba 5 [ed. C, House, AB 5 {1888} 366]). The five founders constructed a chapel and a second structure that served as a burial place. Towards the end of the fifth century, the monastery became a coenobium, was expanded and new structures were built by John of Thebes (Vailhé 1899: 526-527). The monastery functioned as a composite monastery containing a cenobitic core and a lauritic part consisting of cells dispersed over the cliffs some 1.5 km east of the core. The monastery continued to function into the middle ages although the cells of the laura were abandoned in the Early Islamic period, probably due to security issues. In the late nineteenth century, the monastery was rebuilt and is still functioning today. One or two of the cells of the laura were also in use in the twentieth century.
General description
State of preservation/which parts were uncovered:
Complex no. 13 has been relatively well preserved allowing a full understanding of its plan. The chapel is partially constructed and located against the rock face of the cliff. Remains of a thick layer of plaster adhere to the rock face. The internal walls of the complex did not survive.
Description
Illustrative material:
Nave:
The chapel, located against the cliff face measures ca. 3.20 x 2.5 m. The western and southern walls did not survive. A small rectangular niche is located in the northern wall (part of the cliff face) and two semi-circular niches, one of which served as an apse, are located in the eastern wall.
Bema, chancel screen and apse:
Two niches are located in the eastern wall of the chapel, the larger of which served as an apse, the smaller one used for storing holy relics.
Small finds
Small finds illustrative material:
Detailed description
Structure
Orientation:
Facing east
Materials applied (walls):
Limestone
Materials applied (roofing):
timber
Atrium:
No
Water cistern:
Yes
Narthex:
No
East end:
Internal apse
Central Apse Category:
apsidal
Architectural Evolution
| General outline | Dating material | Iconoclastic evidence | Phase no. | Century | Within century |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
The chapel was partially constructed adjacent to the cliff face, an apse was hewn into the rock in the eastern wall. | Literary sources. | Phase 1 | 5th c. | Second half | |
The cells of Choziba were abandoned following the events of the early seventh century. | Abandonment | 7th c. | First half |
Post Arab conquest history:
Abandoned