GABA PHILIPPI; Mishmar ha-'Emeq; Tell Abu Shusha - Basilica
Church Name, type, function
Site Name:
GABA PHILIPPI; Mishmar ha-'Emeq; Tell Abu Shusha
Identification:
The town Gabae, Gabae in Palaestine Secunda, called also Tell Shosh. It was founded on the border of the Jezreel Valley in 61/60 B.C.E., under Marcus Philippus, governor of Syria. There was an episcopal see in the fifth-sixth centuries. For identification see: Jos. Bell. I, 66 (variant reading); Hierocl., Syn. 720, 11; Nov. Justin. A.D. 535. ACO I, 1, 2 (pp. 4, 19, 34, 59); I, 1, 7 (pp. 85, 114); I, 2 (pp.28, 72); I, 3 (pp. 53, 137); I, 5,1 (pp.86, 112); II, 3, 1 (p.118); III (p. 188); Not. Antioch., ROC 14 (1909), p. 28. Also possible identification is Gaba Hippeon, a settlement of cavalry veterans established by Herod (see TIR 1994: 125).
Church name:
Basilica
Functional Type:
Parochial
Church type:
Basilical
Location
Coordinates, ITM system:
213,293.00
724,560.00
Geographical region:
Samaria Hills
Distance from nearest bishop-seat:
there was an episcopal see in Gabae itself in 5-6th centuries
Distance from nearest settlement:
ca. 13 km to the south-west from Nazareth
Distance from Roman roads:
on the junction of the Roman roads from Caesarea and Acco
Provincial affiliation:
Palaestina II
Bishopric:
Gaba Hippeum
Source of knowledge
Literary sources:
Literary sources
Epigraphy:
Archaeological remains
Excavated site
Excavators:
| Name | Date |
|---|---|
R. Giv'on, on behalf of IAA | 1963 |
Bibliograpy:
General description
State of preservation/which parts were uncovered:
The plan of the church, which is said to be in the Israel Department of Antiquities, is still unpublished. During the excavations most part of the church was revealed (nave, south aisle and apse). Fragments of the mosaic floor with geometric and floral motifs and Greek inscription were revealed, as well as relief cross, carved in marble (16 cm), probably, being member of the liturgical furniture.
Description
Illustrative material:
Atrium:
n/a
Narthex:
n/a
Lateral walls:
The foundations were built on the natural rock, and in some places unhewn stones were used to level the surface. The east and south walls were built of large well-chiselled ashlar.
Nave:
length of nave: 10 m. (it is difficult to reveal whether interior or exterior); its width: 4.50 m
Bema, chancel screen and apse:
One apse, external, probably, semi-circular
Small finds
Small finds illustrative material:
Detailed description
Structure
Orientation:
Facing east
Materials applied (walls):
Limestone
East end:
External apse, round
Church Head/Chevet:
n/a
Altar remains:
no remains
Architectural Evolution
| Dating material | Phase no. | Century |
|---|---|---|
Pottery finds. | Phase 1 | 5th c. |
Abandonment | Unknown |
Greek dedicatory inscription, 8 lines within a circle and set into the mosaic floor. The inscription mentions a deacon by the name of John who dedicated the mosaic floor to the memory of his relatives.