Ancient Church Discovery Reveals Negev Pilgrimage Hub
BGU Archaeologists uncover a 1,400-year-old church at Nessana, revealing the Negev’s role as a thriving stop on ancient pilgrimage routes to Sinai.
A magnificent, 1,400-year-old church featuring remarkably preserved colorful mosaics and an extensive complex of rooms has been unearthed at Nitzana National Park. The discovery, led by an archaeological mission from the Archaeology Department of Ben-Gurion University of the Negev (BGU), offers a rare glimpse into the architectural grandeur and wealth of the Byzantine and Early Islamic periods (5th–7th centuries CE).
The church’s floors are adorned with intricate geometric patterns, floral designs, and medallions crafted from tiny, vibrant mosaic stones. These elements, alongside a recently uncovered hospice and bathhouse complex, reveal Nessana's past as a vibrant, high-status religious hub that served both residents and thousands of global pilgrims.
Located on the primary route to Saint Catherine Monastery and Mount Sinai, Nessana was a critical station for international travelers. Ancient graffiti found at the site documents pilgrims arriving from as far as Georgia and Armenia, highlighting the region's role as a global crossroads of faith and commerce.
"The scale of the construction and the richness of the decorations point to an active and wealthy religious center," says Prof. Yana Tchekhanovets of the Department of Archaeology at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev. "Every excavation season reveals more of the hidden wealth beneath the ruins of Nessana, which was a vital stop on the ancient pilgrimage route."
The BGU mission aims to connect Nessana's physical remains with its famous historical archive, the "Nessana Papyri," discovered at the site a hundred years ago. This synergy between ancient texts and new archaeological findings allows researchers to reconstruct daily life in the Negev over a millennium ago with unprecedented detail. Key highlights from the current excavation include a large hospice featuring a bathhouse with marble-clad tubs, the mosaic floors, and the rediscovery of a Greek inscription that dates the church’s construction to the early 7th century CE.
"We know from the papyri and other inscriptions found at the site that pilgrims arrived here from many places," says Prof. Tchekhanovets. "We will continue to uncover the fascinating secrets of Nessana and discover more details about life and movement in the Negev in ancient times."
This research, supported by the Gerda Henkel Foundation, brings together international volunteers and BGU students, embodying the university’s mission to lead the historical understanding and development of the Negev region. The excavation also benefitted from the assistance of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority.
