Khirbet Yattir – Village of Judeo-Christians?
Khirbet Yattir is an archaeological site in the southern Judean hills at the northern edge of the Negev desert. It is about 15 miles northeast of Beer-Sheva and next to the pre-1967 border (the Green Line). It was inhabited in different periods, most remarkably in the Byzantine period, when Judeo-Christians possibly may have settled it.
History and Archaeology of Khirbet Yattir
Yattir is mentioned several times in the Bible. The book of Samuel records David sending spoils to Yattir, suggesting it was inhabited from the 10th century BCE. Following the Babylonian conquest of the Judea, Yattir was abandoned, too. It was re-settled only centuries later. Fourth Century CE Eusebius describes Yattir as a Christian village, and the Madaba Map depicts Yattir as a small yet fortified village with two red-roofed structures (churches?). Yattir’s location is preserved in the tomb of Sheikh el-‘Atiri, located on the site.
Spread over 10 acres, several areas in Khirbet Yattir were excavated in the 1990s. The discovery of a church whose mosaic floor bore unique designs was most intriguing. Some scholars suggested that these decorations indicate the community was Judeo-Christian. If indeed so, this is the most crucial testimony for the material culture of the Judeo-Christians in late antiquity.
The Judeo-Christians and Their Material Culture
Christianity began as a Jewish religious movement in the First century CE. Yet, unlike the rest of Judaism, its followers believed Jesus was the fulfillment of Messianic prophecies from the Old Testament. Already in the mid-first century, the Christians split from Judaism by abolishing essential rituals like kosher food laws and circumcision. However, up to the 5th century CE, there must be more evidence of a Jewish-Christian community living in the Holy Land. It continued to follow Jewish religious laws but adhered to Jesus as Christ. This community’s existence, character, and material culture are subject to much research and still need to be clarified.
Touring Khirbet Yattir
Khirbet Yattir nestles in the lush Yattir Forest. It can be accessed from Road 316, but no paved roads are reaching the site. It is open year-round and free of charge. Unfortunately, most archaeological discoveries made at the site are covered back for their protection. An excellent compensation can be tasting some of the superb blends of Yatir Winery, whose visitor center is near Tel Arad.
A tour to Khirbet Yattir can be combined with a guided day tour to Tel Beer-Sheva, Beer-Sheva, and Tel Arad.
