The Magi : A rare mosaic floor in the Ya’amun church (Jordan)

The author analyzes the mosaic pavement of the south aisle of the church of Ya’amun decorated with small circular medallions with flowers, plants, birds, fish, geometric designs (circles, squares, lozenges, etc.), and urns and vases. Most of the aisle is damaged, and part of the north side is completely missing. Three large rectangular inserts are embedded among these circular medallions. The central one contains three inscriptions: sun, moon, and one illegible; the sun’s rays are visible in its south-eastern corner, while the rest of the design has been patched with large white tesserae. The eastern rectangle has three figures facing a large structure; the structure has four columns, each with a base and nearly identical crown, supporting a dome. A large oil lamp with a rectangular base and a red flame hangs from the middle of the dome. Three human figures (patched with large white tesserae) approach the structure. The author suggests that the scene may be interpreted either as the Magi bringing gifts to the infant Jesus, illustrating the account in Matt. 11; or as the women at the tomb (three in number, cf. Luke 24:10), with the domed structure representing the Tomb. Though the scene still needs a more accurate study, the iconography of the Ya’amun church is surely outstanding in the panorama of the mosaic church decoration in Jordan.