Byzantine Church of Petra

1994/07/01 Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

• Giza zientziak

South of Jordan, 70 kilometers from the Dead Sea, lies the historic city of Petra. It was formerly the capital of the kingdom of the Nabateans, a meeting point for caravans and an important shopping centre. It is known for its elegant facades and tombs carved in the rock, but lately there have been found remains of a building of three naves and about forty rolls of scratched papyrus.

They are remains of the Byzantine church next to a monastery and have been discovered by researchers from the ACOR (American Center of Oriental Research). Based on the style of relief, mosaic and decoration, VI. That is from the beginning of the century. They can be papyri, sermons and correspondence with political avatars.

It seems that the church was destroyed in 551, when the Petra earthquake caused great damage. On the two side naves of the building, elegant mosaics with interesting images of people, animals and objects have been found on the floor.