Excavations at Two Galilean Churches: Ḥorvat Gilon and Ḥorvat Ḥesheq

As part of a three-year research project on late antique Christian sites in the Galilee, funded by the Israel Science Foundation (ISF), we conducted excavations at four church sites. While the findings from two of these sites have already been published, this paper presents the results of investigations at the remaining two: Ḥorvat Gilon and Ḥorvat Ḥesheq. At Ḥorvat Gilon, previously known only through surveys, our excavation revealed the architectural framework of a three-apsidal church, featuring remnants of a mosaic floor. A partially preserved inscription near the main entrance provided valuable insights into the local ecclesiastical administration and on the approximate date of the church’s construction. Based on the findings, we propose that the site was a rural monastery. At Ḥorvat Ḥesheq, which has been subject to excavation and publication back in the 1990s, our work focused on the northern apse. This effort uncovered an additional significant inscription, reinforcing the hypothesis that this was a private family rural church. Furthermore, the discovery of a previously undocumented chapel adjacent to the northern wall added a new dimension to our understanding of the site. These excavations have significantly enhanced our knowledge of rural society and ecclesiastical organization in late antique Galilee. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of local Christian practices and architectural traditions during this period.