BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Miniature Byzantine Prayer Box Found Near City of David

Bible and archaeology news

Archaeologists excavating near the Givati parking lot area in Jerusalem’s City of David have found a rare miniature prayer box of a Byzantine pilgrim to the Holy City. Measuring less than 1-inch square, the delicate bone box—probably a personal prayer object—contains two icon paintings surrounded by gold leaf. One image depicts a bearded man with dark hair wearing a white tunic; the other shows a female figure dressed in blue. It has been suggested the paintings are of Jesus and Mary.

Archaeologists excavating near the Givati parking lot area in Jerusalem’s City of David have found a rare miniature prayer box of a Byzantine pilgrim to the Holy City.