The structure, found near the Sea of Galilee, contains a mosaic inscription in ancient Greek on the floor: “Peace to the Elders.” According to the researchers, direct references to the elderly in ancient inscriptions are extremely rare.
The symbols on the mosaic — cypresses, fruits, and Egyptian geese — represent eternal life and well-being, emphasizing the special status of the building. Dr. Michael Eisenberg, head of the excavations, noted that the find indicates that caring for the older generation was already considered a social and spiritual responsibility in the Byzantine era, and not just a family one.
Archaeologists stress that the discovery provides a unique insight into the daily lives of elderly people in ancient times and confirms that ideas of social support for the older generation existed long before modern times.
