A dipinti-intensive cave dwelling as evidence of a monastic presence in Byzantine Avdat. (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bucking, Scott
• Is Part Of: Journal of arid environments. Volume 143(2017:Aug.)
• Page Start: 28
• Page End: 34
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: Negev Desert -- Iconography -- Graffiti -- Byzantine monasticism; Arid regions ecology -- Periodicals; Arid regions -- Periodicals; Écologie des régions arides -- Périodiques; Régions arides -- Périodiques; 577.54
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jaridenv.2016.11.008
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0140-1963

Abstract

Abstract: This paper documents the various dipinti in a cave dwelling on the southern slope of the Byzantine town of 'Avdat, located in the central Negev highlands of Israel. The dipinti are viewed in their architectural and spatial contexts and discussed in light of previous dipinti finds in another cave dwelling at the site. This helps to build an evidentiary base for associating the cave with monks present in the town. Thus, the paper expands our currently limited knowledge of Byzantine monastic communities and activities in the Negev Desert region.