A stone bearing a Greek inscription from the end of the Byzantine period was discovered last weekend in the Nitzana National Park in the Negev, the Israel Antiquities Authority announced on Wednesday.
The flat, round stone was used as a tombstone in one of the cemeteries surrounding the ancient settlement, the IAA said.
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It was found by Nitzana Educational Village director David Palmach, who came upon it while clearing hiking paths in the park. According to the IAA, Palmach noticed an inscription on the stone, which was later deciphered by Leah Di Segni of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem as referring to "Blessed Maria, who lived an immaculate life."
The stone, which is being transferred to the National Treasuries Department, dates from the late sixth to early early seventh centuries CE.
