“Christ, born of Mary’ inscription found in Israel

In the heart of the Valley of Megiddo, archaeologists have unearthed a remarkable discovery in the village of et-Taiyiba. Among the ruins, a 1,500 year old stone inscription reads the name "Christ, born of Mary,".

Photo Credit: Tzachi Lang and Einat Ambar-Armon, Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA)

The Valley of Megiddo, also known as the Jezreel Valley, holds a significant place in Christian eschatology, where the ultimate battle between good and evil is foretold – Armageddon. The inscription, etched in Greek, was discovered in the doorway entrance of a structure dating back to the late 5th century AD. This building, later assimilated into a Byzantine or Early Islamic structure, now serves as a silent witness to the unfolding layers of history.

The inscription, a dedication to "Christ born of Mary," bears the imprint of Theodosius, a revered bishop of the time. The accompanying plea for prayers suggests a deep religious commitment. Theodosius held spiritual authority over Bet She’an, the capital of the Byzantine province of Palaestina Secunda, marking this discovery as a testament to early Christian influence in the region.

Delving into the intricacies of the inscription's purpose, researchers believe it served as more than mere words on stone. The plea for protection, a common motif found in other Byzantine sites, hints at a belief in safeguarding against the malevolent influence of the evil eye. This cultural and spiritual practice adds a layer of depth to the discovery, unveiling the interplay between faith and daily existence.

Photo Credit: IAA

The archaeological exploration didn't stop with the inscription. Within the same structure, two rooms revealed mosaic floors with geometric designs. As the pieces of this historical puzzle come together, et-Taiyiba emerges from the shadows, offering a glimpse into the lives of early Christians who once called this village home.

Dr. Leah Di-Segni, a researcher at the Institute of Archaeology of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, sheds light on the inscription's significance, underscoring its rarity as the first evidence of a Byzantine church in et-Taiyiba.