Ancient tombstone with Greek inscription found in southern Israel

·

Cleaners at Israel’s Nitzana National Park were shocked this week after discovering a tombstone with had ancient Greek writing, with origins dating to the late sixth or early seventh century.

David Palmach, director of the Nitzana Educational Village, discovered the inscription, which archaeologist Leah Di Segni of the Hebrew University in Jerusalem was able to translate.

According to the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA), the flat, round stone was used as a tombstone in one of the cemeteries surrounding the ancient settlement. The inscription reads: “Blessed Maria, who lived an immaculate life.”

A worker found the stone in Nitzana National Park. (Hoshvilim via Wikimedia Commons under CC BY-SA 4.0)

IAA archaeologist Tali Erickson-Gini said that during the fifth and sixth centuries CE, Nitzana served as a center for the villages and settlements in the vicinity.

“Among other things, it had a military fortress as well as churches, a monastery and a roadside inn that served Christian pilgrims traveling to Santa Katarina, which believers regarded as the site of Mount Sinai,” Tali said.

In the 1930s, archaeologists discovered a trove of sixth- and seventh-century Greek and Arabic papyrus documents at the site, which is also known as “Nessana.” The documents include military, church and family records, as well as information about the caravan industry.

Sourced By: The Smithsonian

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Australian Championship, Movember launch $500k fundraising initiative for men’s health

The Australian Championship and Movember have launched a new fundraising initiative to change the face of men’s health.

Greece launches €2.5 billion plan to secure water supply amid drought threat

Greece has unveiled a €2.5 billion national plan to confront growing water scarcity and safeguard supplies for the coming decades.

Aegean Airlines to launch first direct European flights to Baghdad

Aegean Airlines will launch the first direct flights from Europe to Baghdad on 16 December, marking a new chapter in Greece–Iraq relations.

Greece to launch voluntary conscription for women in 2026

Greece will introduce voluntary conscription for women in 2026, with the creation of a pioneering unit of 100 to 150 recruits.

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne set for derby showdown at Jubilee Stadium

Sydney Olympic and South Melbourne reignite their rivalry at Netstrata Jubilee Stadium for another chapter in the Australian Championship.

You May Also Like

Man refused bail after alleged gunpoint robbery of Nick Kyrgios’ car

A man has been accused of using a gun to threaten Norlaila Kyrgios, the mother of tennis star Nick Kyrgios, and stealing the athlete's car.

Greek Australian innovators included among Australia’s ‘Top 30 Under 30’

Greek Australian entrepreneurs, inventors and innovators have been included in the Daily Telegraph's 'Top 30 under 30' list.

Mourners claim they have been banned from visiting Melbourne cemeteries

Mourners are confused by restrictions around visiting cemeteries in Victoria, with police saying people are allowed to mourn but with social distance.