The Sisters of Nazareth Convent: A Roman-period, Byzantine, and Crusader site in central Nazareth

This book provides a comprehensive and detailed re-investigation of the archaeological site of Nazareth, including over 80 years of work by the Sisters of Nazareth Convent and Henri Senès. It reveals a complex sequence of activities, from Early Roman-period domestic buildings to Roman-period quarrying and burial, a well-preserved cave-church, and major surface-level Byzantine and Crusader churches. The interpretation and broader implications of each phase of activity are discussed in the context of recent studies of Roman-period, Byzantine, and later archaeology and contemporary archaeological theory, and their relationship to written accounts of Nazareth is also assessed.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 29 April 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book, which spans over 80 years of archaeological work at the Sisters of Nazareth Convent, is a groundbreaking contribution to our understanding of Nazareth. Despite its fame and significance in the study of early Christianity, Nazareth has received limited archaeological attention. The site was initially explored by the nuns of the convent themselves, marking one of the earliest examples of a significant excavation program initiated and directed by women. Subsequently, Henri Senès conducted extensive excavations at the site, although his findings have remained largely unpublished.

Through their meticulous excavations, the nuns and Senès uncovered a complex sequence of events, which have been meticulously elucidated and dated by twenty-first-century studies. This sequence begins with a partly rock-cut Early Roman-period domestic building, followed by Roman-period quarrying and burial, a well-preserved cave-church, and significant surface-level Byzantine and Crusader churches.

In discussing the interpretation and broader implications of each phase of activity, the book contextualizes them within recent studies of Roman-period, Byzantine, and later archaeology, as well as contemporary archaeological theory. It also assesses the relationship between these archaeological findings and written accounts of Nazareth, providing valuable insights into the historical and cultural context of the site.

The Sisters of Nazareth Convent's archaeological work has been instrumental in shedding light on the rich history and significance of Nazareth. This book offers a comprehensive and detailed account of the site's excavation findings, making it an invaluable resource for scholars, researchers, and anyone interested in exploring the archaeology of this iconic location.

Weight: 530g
Dimension: 276 x 219 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367542221