caves of the eastern complex of el-ʿAleiliyat Complete
ID: 124
Building type: chapel
Context:
monastery
Inscriptions:
Description:
Within the eastern sector of the el-ʿAleiliyat cave group, one chamber has been interpreted as the laura’s oratory; the most detailed account is offered by Jeremias (346ff.). The space preserves numerous painted crosses that fall into two formal groups: some have gable-shaped terminations at the ends of the arms, while others display simple, straight arms. The examples with gabled arm-ends are earlier. Inscriptions in Greek accompany several of these signs and are positioned at different points within the cave: a cross with Greek text is placed on the east wall; a separate Greek inscription appears on the west wall; and immediately to the right of the doorway leading into the adjacent dwelling cell, another inscribed cross is recorded. Beside the oratory are two niches. Jeremias regarded the smaller as a basic sleeping place and the larger as a monk’s habitation. Bibliography: J. Patrich - R. Rubin, RB 91, 1984, 386f. (ed. pr.). – J. Jeremias, in: Von der Antike zum Christentum, 1931, 109-22 at 120 (=Jeremias 341-53 at 347, 350f.); SEG 34, 1503; J. Patrich, EI 18, 1985, 159f. (Hebr.); SEG 35, 1557; R. Rubin, Aram 15, 2003, 85f., fig. 4. – Cf. A. Desreumaux – J.-B. Humbert – É. Nodet, RB 85, 1978, 417ff.; Feissel, Chroniques 233 no. 745; SEG 53, 1868.