Deir Qeruh, Byzantine archaeological ruins in Gamla Nature Reserve, Israel
Deir Qeruh is an archaeological site containing remains from the Byzantine period, featuring foundation walls of an ancient village organized around a monastery complex with a church at its center. The layout reveals how religious and domestic spaces were positioned together during this era.
The settlement was founded in the 4th century and developed until the Arab conquest in the mid-7th century disrupted life there. Limited occupation continued during the Mamluk period afterward.
The church features a square apse design, a style common in religious buildings east of the Jordan River during the Byzantine era. This architectural approach shows how building traditions spread across the eastern Mediterranean region.
The site is located within Gamla Nature Reserve, which provides walking routes and guidance through the terrain. A visit works best with sturdy footwear since the ancient foundations are uneven and scattered.
A monastic complex in the northeastern section includes a church dedicated to Saint George, revealing important religious practices of the Byzantine community there. This focused area provides clear evidence of how sacred sites were organized and used.
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