A 1,600-year-old residential care facility unearthed in the ancient Byzantine metropolis.
In the ancient city of Hippos, situated in the Golan Heights, archaeologists have unearthed what is believed to be the earliest known evidence of a nursing home. This discovery, conducted by Prof. Reithofer and the archaeological department at NHM, offers a rare glimpse into the daily lives of older people in antiquity and challenges the modern perception that institutional care for the elderly is a recent development.
The mosaic, found at the entrance of a building located 98 meters from the city's main square, bears the Greek words 'Peace be with the elders.' This, combined with symbolic images such as cypress trees, fruit, and Egyptian geese, leads researchers to identify the structure as a potential nursing home.
Cypress trees, associated with immortality in Byzantine art, and fruit, which symbolized prosperity and eternity, are common themes in the mosaic. The presence of Egyptian geese, which represented souls that had reached a state of blessedness in Byzantine art, further supports this theory.
Dr. Michael Eisenberg, an archaeologist from the University of Haifa, described the mosaic as a tangible, dated, and clear indication of an institution designed for the elderly. The facility, strategically positioned near the city's main square, suggests its importance to both residents and visitors.
The nursing home in Hippos highlights how elder care was an integral part of Byzantine society. It provided a combination of spiritual care and practical assistance, reflecting the social values of the period. The care and concern for the elderly, as evidenced by the nursing home in Hippos, were part of social institutions and concepts dating back about 1,600 years ago.
The discovery provides crucial insights into the organization of ancient communities and their approach to elder care. While the nursing home in Hippos may not have been the only one of its kind, it is a significant example of elder care institutions in the ancient world. The communal and spiritual institution in Hippos was integrated into the fabric of city life, mirroring the social values of the period.
The research group's conclusions were published in the Journal of Papyrology and Epigraphy, further solidifying the significance of this discovery. The nursing home at Hippos is one of the earliest material testimonies of elder care institutions in the Holy Land, offering a valuable perspective on the care and treatment of the elderly in antiquity.
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