BSY_FB_B-UmmIdjDjimalp084-b

84

ir Ruḥaiyeh (16, Ill 21)
This ruins at the N.E. front of the slope
of the 'Alā is almost leveled with the ground
but the foundation walls of these churches are
still easily traced. These churches seem
to have been the only buildings of importance
on this site; and probably formed the centre
of a great religious establishment. The three
churches are of about the same dimensions,
and were built upon three sides of a square,
one on the N. one on the S. and one on the W.
A wall connected the N. and S. churches at their
east walls and thus formed a complete enclosure.
The diaconicum of the S. church and that of the W. ch.
are well preserved and have been covered with
mud domes in ancient times. Few ornamental
details were found with 5 dated inscripions, 4 Gk.
and 1 Syr., giving the years (see below)
indicate that the buildings belong to sixth century.
The relief shown on the opposite page seems to have been
an ancient piece of sculpture afterwards connected
onto a door. See photograph.