While the city engineers of Tiberius were installing a pipeline along the shores of the Sea of Galilee, a Byzantine church was uncovered dating back to the 4th Century (300-400 AD). The Israeli Antiquities Authority (IAA) was brought in to excavate the site. The IAA discovered a Christian church in the center of a Jewish community.

Up until the recent discovery, it has been believed that the Jewish community in Tiberius adamantly resisted any Christian presence. The uncovering of this church refutes this long-held position.

A mosaic floor decorated with a large cross with the Greek letters Alpha and Omega on either side of it were uncovered as well as a Greek inscription referring to Jesus Christ. Other crosses and portions of scripture were also a part of the intricate mosaic tiles.

The IAA archaeological team led by Moshe Hartal dated the find to the 4th century because in 427 AD the church decreed that no symbols referring to Jesus Christ were to be put on the floor of any Christian church. Church leaders did not want their members walking on any reference to their Lord. The church must have been constructed prior to 427 AD.

The excavation of the church was completed two months ago. The IAA team photographed the mosaic floor and then covered the find with a thick layer of sand. This was done to protect the mosaic floors from vandals as well as from the elements. Mosaic floors are highly susceptible to fading when left exposed to the elements and many archaeological sites are vandalized by tourists or activists who are opposed to any site refuting a long standing belief.

The outline of the church is still visible as well as the roof support structures on which the wooden roof trusses would have rested. The top of the door frame is also noticeable in the site’s current condition. The ancient city of Tiberius was inhabited until an earthquake destroyed a large portion of the city.