Byzantine church excavated in Israel

A worker for the Israel Antiquities Authority cleans a mosaic of a Greek inscription. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The crypt of a "glorious martyr" rests near the church. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The crypt was discovered fully in tact, which is rare in Israel. Benjamin Storchan, IAA director of excavation, said the martyr's identity is not known. But the crypt's opulence signals the person was an important figure. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

A worker from the Israel Antiquities Authority cleans a baptismal font in the shape of a cross, uncovered at the church site. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Workers remove dirt from the site. The church was discovered during the expansion of Beit Shemish, which is building a new neighborhood, Neve Shamir 2. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The church was built according to a basilica plan -- an elongated structure lined with two rows of columns that divided the internal space into three sections -- a central nave flanked by two halls, according to the IAA and museum. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

One of the inscriptions refers to a donation from Emperor Tiberius II. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

A courtyard was uncovered outside the church entrance. Much of the excavation work was done by teenagers as part of their national service. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

Archaeologists traced he primary stage of the church’s construction to the reign of Emperor Justinian in the sixth century CE (527- 565). A chapel was added later. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The findings include what appears to be the most complete collection of Byzantine glass windows and lamps ever found at a single site in Israel, the IAA said. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI

The mosaics featured intricate designs with leaves, fruit, birds and geometrical patterns. The walls of the church were decorated with colorful frescoes and lofty pillars, some of which may have been imported. Photo by Debbie Hill/UPI