BSY_FB_B-UmmIdjDjimalp080-b

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Ḥalbân.
Tower 542 A.D. (12, Ill 15)
This seems to have been one of the most
important places in the 'Alā. It's ancient name
appears as AΛBari or AΛBaroi in an inscription on
the ruined tower at the N.E. angle of the village.
This tower, some 6 x 7 meters square still preserves
its northern and eastern walls. The portal, in the N.
wall has a lintel with the inscription giving the
date 542 A.D., above the portal is a relieving arch.
The lower story of the tower is marked by a string course.

There are many fragments and foundations in all
parts of the town, all are Christian, but none can [be]
connected with important buildings.

il-Mishrifeh (13) is a ruin on the ridge East of Ḥalbân now
inhabited by a few settled Bedawin. There were
large houses and undoubtedly a church here in
the sixth century or earlier, but nothing is usable now
but the dismembered fragments of such buildings.
Handsomely moulded voussoir and a fine panel
from a chancel rail with an insc. in Greek upon it. ^insc. 884
suggest that the church was of the better class. ^date 598 A.D.
Town completely rebuilt in low epoch of middle ages.