It is for sure the earliest church in Israel that we know of. |
Mosaics, in general, and inscribed mosaics in particular from the 3rd and 4th centuries are very rare, as is the wording of the inscription. This structure is indeed unique and significant to the understanding of the development of early Christianity into a recognized and official religion. |
The most important thing about this is that it is the oldest Christian building we have found in archaeological form. The problem is that we didn't have churches at that time. |
This is a very ancient structure, maybe the oldest in our area. |
This is, in Israel for sure, the earliest church. |
What's clear today is that it's the oldest archaeological remains of a church in Israel, maybe even in the entire region. |