Using the 6th Century Madaba
Map as a Guide to Modern Jerusalem
by James E. Lancaster, Ph.D.
This slide presentation was given to the
Los Angeles Chapter of the Biblical Archaeology on May 1, 1998.
It is a photographic visit to some of the identifiable locations
on the Madaba Map. The talk links locations on the map* with what can be seen today in the Old
City of Jerusalem.
Here's a short summary of what will be covered:
- Roman Gate and Column Some of the original Roman gate
(1) from the time of Hadrian
has been excavated below today's Damascus Gate. I had a guided
tour of the site in 1995 with Menachem Magen, the archaeologist
who excavated the Roman gate.
- Roman/Byzantine Street Today's El Wad Road (Hagai St.)
follows the route of the ancient street (2).
I have explored the entire length of this street through the Muslim
quarter as well as many of the side streets where there are some
beautiful examples of 14th and 15th century Mamluk architecture.
- Roman Arch The Ecce Homo Arch along the lower Via Dolorosa
is sometimes said to be the spot where Pilate stood when he sentenced
Jesus (hence the name - 'behold the man') but the arch (3)
actually dates to Hadrian's time.
- Nea Church Until recently this church was only known
from ancient writings and the Madaba Map (4).
It was excavated after the Six Day War of 1967. I've explored
and photographed all of the archaeological parts that are open
to the public.
- Church of the Apostles? David's Tomb and the Last Supper
Room are now on this site (5).
There are some 1st century building blocks in one of the walls
of David's Tomb and some evidence that it may have been an early
Judeo-Christian synagogue.
- Church of Holy Sion The modern Church of the Dormition
stands over the ruins of the Byzantine (6)
and Crusader churches.
- Cardo Maximus This was the main street of Roman and
Byzantine Jerusalem (7) and
is well known to most visitors to Jerusalem.
- Church of the Resurrection The current Church of the
Holy Sepulchre, built during the Crusader period (12th century),
stands on the site. Parts of the original Byzantine church (8)
are still visible on the inside.
* Madaba Map courtesy Franciscan Cyberspot
If you would like to arrange for a presentation on
Jerusalem, the Holy Land or another travel topic for a church,
synagogue or other organization, please contact me by telephone at (714) 731-6717
or by e-mail at LJAMES1@ix.netcom.com.
© 1997 ljames1@ix.netcom.com
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