Archaeologists uncover 'oldest nursing home' in Israel

Jerusalem Post ^ | August 18, 2025 | Joanie Margulies

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Archaeologists from the University of Haifa have unearthed a 1,600-year-old mosaic with a Greek inscription reading, "Peace on the elders," that may be the earliest evidence of a dedicated institution for the elderly.

The discovery was made at the Sussita (Hippos) National Park near the Sea of Galilee, the primary Christian city in the region during the Byzantine period. The mosaic, dating to the late fourth or early fifth century CE, was discovered at the entrance to a public building.

According to Dr. Michael Eisenberg, co-director of the excavation project, the finding provides "living proof that care and concern for the elderly... were part of social institutions and concepts already 1,600 years ago." The research was published in the academic journal Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik.

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TOPICS: History; Science; Travel
KEYWORDS: byzantineempire; godsgravesglyphs; hippos; israel; mosaics; sussita

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An ancient Byzantine-era mosaic in Hippos-Sussita, Israel, which reads "Peace on the elders." It is believed to be a sign of an ancient institution that cared for the elderly.

photo credit: Dr. Michael Eisenberg

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[SunkenCiv]

The rest of the Sussita keyword, sorted:

• Israeli teen finds 1,700-year-old bronze ring in ruins of Greek city [09/12/2023]
• New Inscriptions in Roman City in Israel Shed Personal Light on Early Christians [11/27/2022]
• Ancient Mosaic Found in 'Burnt Church' May Depict Miracle Described in the New Testament [09/23/2019]
• 1,800 Year Old Roman Inscription on Milestone East of the Kinneret Deciphered [05/01/2019]
• I Stood Here for Rome [Roman soldier shoeprints, Galilee] [06/17/2015]
• Archaeologists make startling discovery at ancient Sussita: A beer bottlecap [09/28/2013]
• Susita Site Yields Surprises [08/07/2012]
• Goddess of fortune found in Sussita [ Tyche, the Greek goddess of fortune ] [09/19/2010]

[MarlonRando]

they didn’t have cat scans back then- they used ducks. Hence, the two ducks. They used two ducks because they could scan multiple sides at once. (2)

[Red Badger]

And Democrat’s Voter Registration Forms as well............

[SunkenCiv]

Hence the term, quackery!

[MarlonRando]

exactly. I forgot to add that.

[fidelis]

"The researchers concluded that the institution was a community and spiritual center that reflected the social values of the Christian city. The findings highlight that the responsibility for caring for the elderly had shifted from being solely a family matter to a communal one. The mosaic provides a unique insight into the social and religious fabric of Byzantine society, showing that these ancient cities built not only religious buildings but also institutions for daily social functions."

One among many blessings Christianity brought to the world (along with the university system and the scientific method, among other things). Before Christianity, the world was largely a savage and heartless place. The Hebrew religion encouraged compassion and care for the afflicted, but it was largely an individual responsibility rather than a communal one.

[SunkenCiv]

It’s okay, you gave it your nest, er...

[Ozymandias Ghost]

Unfortunately, it was run by Somalians and there were no patients.