“The size and elegance of the structures found, the quality of their mosaic floorings and the excellent farming setups, all indicate the terrific wealth and success of the regional Samaritan neighborhood for many years,”stated IAA archaeologists Alla Nagorsky and Daniel Leahy Griswold.

” The website of Kh. Kafr Ḥatta is explained in historic sources as the birth place of Menander, the Samaritan magician, follower of Simon Magus, who was thought about the dad of the Gnostic sects and among Christianity’s very first converts.”

In among the structures, the archaeologists discovered a splendid mosaic flooring embellished with a thick geometric pattern and vegetal images.

“Alongside its main medallion are acanthus leaves integrated with uncommon decors of vegetables and fruits– such as grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes and asparagus,” they stated.

“In the entryway to this space was a partly maintained Greek engraving wanting the structure’s owner Good Luck!”

“The owner’s given name prevailed in Samaritan neighborhoods.”

In the northern part of the estate, the scientists discovered an olive press, a large storage facility structure and a miqveh (public filtration bath).

“The distance of the oil press to the miqveh was most likely utilized to produce olive oil in pureness,”they stated.

“The olive press was thoroughly prepared, including 2 wings. “

“The northern wing consisted of the primary production locations, while auxiliary spaces were set up in the southern wing.”

“In the production locations, 2 screw presses were discovered, in addition to a big squashing basin in which the olives were squashed.”

“This kind of olive press is more common of the Jerusalem area and the Judean Shephelah and is less typical in Samaria,” Dr. Nagorsky stated.

“Over the years, the estate saw significant modifications.”

“The wealth and high-end of the structures were changed by oil production and farming setups.”

“New walls harmed the mosaic floorings, and the stunning capitals and columns were incorporated within the brand-new walls.”

According to the group, these modifications relate to the Samaritan Revolts under the Byzantine guideline– a series of uprisings in 5th-6th centuries CE versus the Byzantine emperors, who implemented limiting laws on members of other religious beliefs.

“What makes this website especially intriguing is that unlike a few of the other Samaritan websites that were damaged in these revolts, the farming estate in Kafr Qasim in fact continued in usage, and even maintained its Samaritan identity– as evidenced by the Samaritan ceramic oil-lamps revealed in our excavation,” Dr. Nagorsky stated.

“This is an interesting website, which shows the historic range in between the days of success and the decrease of the Samaritan neighborhood,” Dr. Nagorsky stated.

“Its long-lasting presence and outstanding findings will permit us to rebuild its history over centuries and will enhance our understanding about this population in ancient times.”