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‘Atiqot 84 (2016)
ISBN 2948-040X
A Mosaic Floor in the Church of Bishop Johannes at Horbat Barqa, Gan Yavne
(Hebrew, pp. 89*–126*; English summary, pp. 129–132)
Lihi Habas
Keywords: Christianity, iconography, art, symbols, Christ
Mosaic pavements were uncovered in the nave and in the atrium of the Church of Bishop Johannes at Horbat Barqa. Of the mosaic carpet in the nave nine rows were preserved; a large central medallion containing a circle of harmony and another large medallion with a dedicatory inscription emphasize its main axis. The mosaic is decorated with vine scrolls populated with still life objects, fauna, birds and daily scenes, alongside motifs with of religious significance. The mosaic floor, made in a flat, schematic style, is similar in style, composition and iconography to mosaic floors from the early sixth century CE in Gaza and the northern Negev. The atrium mosaic was partially preserved. Most of it is a white mosaic comprising a border of three rows of tesserae set in straight lines and a carpet with tesserae laid diagonally.