World Jewish News

Relics of an ancient crypt have been found in suburb of Jerusalem Um Lisan.

The Ministry of Tourism of Israel informs that relics of an ancient crypt have been found during civil works held in southeast suburb of Jerusalem Um Lisan.
The crypt is a part of the monastic complex that was discovered during archeological excavations in 1996 when the chapel with color mosaics of the geometrical form was dug out.
It was possible to step down from the main building to a crypt, which once was a part of a monastery funeral hall. There were 12 hollows for tombs with remains of 30 women who, most likely, were nuns.
In a distant corner there was an individual burial place with remains of the elderly monk. On a gravestone there was cut the inscription in ancient Georgian language, proving that it was a burial place of the Georgian bishop named John.
Epigraphic analysis has shown that inscriptions are dated by 5-6 century AD.
These letters are the earliest inscriptions in Georgian language in Jerusalem and they are the bright example of existence of Georgian religious community in this city during Byzantine period.

Источник: Sem40.ru