Image Details

Konstantinos Politis

The monastery complex at Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata is shown here in two renditions. At top is an artist’s view of the entire complex, centered on the three-aisled basilica church. The raised roof over the center aisle, called a clerestory roof, allowed light to come in via windows. Immediately to the left of the church, excavators found a communal burial chamber that contained the remains of 32 people, including one woman and three infants or children. Further to the left was the hostel area; to the church’s right was a large reservoir, while the slopes in front of the complex held terraced gardens.