The Sanctuary of Lot at Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata in Jordan

The article presents the main results of the excavation seasons of Deir ‘Ain ‘Abata, Sanctuary of Lot near Zoara in Jordan, an important cult centre in the Dead Sea area. The main church was paved with four mosaics, three of which had Greek inscriptions. The first, in the north aisle leading to the cave, was decorated with a geometric design of stepped squares, diamonds and candles. At its eastern end in front of the cave entrance is an inscription four lines long enclosed within a tabula ansata names Bishop Iakovos, Abbot Sozomenos, and gives the construction date of April 605/607 AD. Voir notice 6609.