An IDF shooting training in central Israel led to the discovery of a 1,500-year-old convent, Israel Hayom has learned.
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In July, soldiers were training at a designated shooting area military fire zone near Shoham, when a part of the site was accidentally damaged, revealing the historical building.
Dozens of fighters participated in the excavation of the convent , which was conducted as part of the Israel Antiquities Authority's "Nature Defense Forces – officers take responsibility for the environment" initiative.
The authority first excavated the Byzantine convent 20 years ago, but archaeologists later covered it up to protect it.
According to archaeologist Israel Kornfeld, "recently, a small part of the ancient site was damaged in the course of activities in the military zone. The IAA, together with the Nature Defense Forces program, initiated an educational project to clean up and reopen this impressive site."
He noted that "in the original excavation, two buildings were uncovered, one of which was a church paved with a colorful mosaic depicting faunal and vegetal scenes; an entrance hall; the nuns' dormitories; hermit cells; a tower with rooms; and a crypt – an underground burial complex. The other building included a kitchen, a dining hall, and an inn to house pilgrims."
We presume that "as customary in ancient times, the convent preserved an even more ancient tradition, and it was established here next to the place where Hannah's grave was marked. In the previous excavation, several female skeletons were also discovered at the site, who, apparently, wanted to be buried next to this holy figure," Kornfeld said.
The biblical figure of Hannah was the mother of King Solomon.
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