Archaeologists from the University of Haifa (Israel) announced on August 18th the discovery of the oldest recorded elderly care facility during excavations at Hippos National Park near the Sea of Galilee.
A highlight of the research team's discovery was an exquisitely crafted mosaic medal, dating from the late 4th or early 5th century, bearing the Greek inscription "Peace to the elders." This medal was found near one of the most impressive mosaics at the archaeological site.
Dr. Michael Eisenberg from the Zinman Institute for Archaeology, University of Haifa, who co-directed the excavation project, said: “This is vivid evidence that caring for the elderly is not a modern concept, but has been part of the social fabric for about 1,600 years.”
In a study published in the journal Zeitschrift für Papyrologie und Epigraphik, Dr. Eisenberg and his colleagues, Dr. Arleta Kowalewska and Professor Gregor Staab from the University of Cologne (Germany), argue that the medal bearing the inscription is the first archaeological evidence of an ancient nursing home. Their argument is based on the fact that the inscription directly refers to the elderly and the medal's location within the ancient residential area.
According to researchers, although texts from the 5th and 6th centuries mentioned facilities for the elderly, this is the first time there is clear physical evidence to substantiate it.
This discovery was unearthed near the intersection of two main streets in the residential area of the Byzantine city of Hippos. This ancient Christian city was once home to an episcopal see, and archaeologists had previously found seven churches, a temple, a cathedral, a theater, and at least two theaters there.
The mosaic was discovered at the entrance to a building in a residential area, and after the 2023-2024 excavation seasons, the archaeological team analyzed the inscriptions and decorative symbols surrounding it, concluding that the site may have once been a community center for the elderly.
The archaeological team assessed, “This is a communal and spiritual institution, closely linked to urban life and reflecting the social values of that period. The inscription directly refers to a specific group of people, offering a rare glimpse into the daily lives of the elderly in ancient times.”
The team of scientists also suggested that this mosaic medal “may be one of the earliest physical pieces of evidence at the Holy Land showing that the Christian community had begun to take on a role of social care that had previously been typically performed by the family.”
This most likely reflects a shift in the Christian lifestyle, moving away from the traditional family structure and towards monastic life and religious communities.
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/phat-hien-co-so-cham-soc-nguoi-cao-tuoi-co-nien-dai-lau-doi-nhat-the-gioi-post1056501.vnp
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