An Early Christian Community May Have Run the World’s First Nursing Home

An Early Christian Community May Have Run the World’s First Nursing Home

A mosaic reading “Peace be with the elders” highlighted the Christian society’s intentional care of the oldest in their community.

Inscription Hints at Oldest Known Nursing Home - Archaeology Magazine

Mosaic inscription reading “Peace be with the elders" HIPPOS, GOLAN HEIGHTS—A mosaic uncovered at the site of Hippos near the Sea of Galilee contains a message indicating that the city’s ancient residents took extra special care of their senior citizens, according to Israel National News. Hippos belonged to the Decapolis, a group of 10 Hellenistic cities in the southern Levant, but became a major Christian center during the Byzantine period, ser…

Inscription in Hippos may indicate oldest home for elderly

A close-up of the inscribed medallion flanked by Egyptian geese. Photo courtesy of Michael Eisenberg. JNS University of Haifa researchers have uncovered a Greek mosaic inscription bearing the unusual blessing, “Peace be with the elders,” during archaeological excavations in Hippos (Sussita National Park) near the Sea of Galilee. The inscription, dated to the late fourth