In a recent strike by Hezbollah on Northern Israel, a rocket “struck the remains of a 1,500-year-old Byzantine church. The Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) says that the modern structure in Nahariya was damaged, but the 1500 year old Mosaic floor was intact.”
The floor covers 5400 square feet and was part of a church that was destroyed in 614 CE (A.D.) in the Sasanian Persian invasion and completely burned down. The floor was later discovered in 1964 during the construction of a local school. The IAA examined the area impacted by the strike, and though the structure was damaged, the floor itself undamaged, though dirt and debris from the current structure landed on it. Its beautiful artwork remains visible.
So much ancient history in Israel is uncovered by accident as construction begins. Such was the case with the Byzantine Church mosaic floor discovered in 1964. Thankfully, this precious treasure is preserved for current and future generations. But first, Hezbollah must be defeated and disarmed.
(Source: The Times of Israel)
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