Gaza in late antiquity: Newly discovered epigraphic evidence regarding theecclesiastical complex and episcopal see of ancient Jabaliyah near Gaza

The mosaic floor of an ecclesiastical complex at Jabaliyah, close to Gaza, comprising a church and a baptistery, display 17 Greek inscriptions. Becaus e of the exceptional historical interest of this epigraphic discovery, it s eems to us necessary to produce it now to the scholarly world. For the main part, those inscriptions are dedicatory, on the occasion of the laying out of the mosaic pavement - or of a part of it. Eight inscriptions are dated, between AD496/497 and AD732. One among the three bishops mentioned is Marc ianos, who was on the episcopal see of Gaza around AD525-550, and whose act ivities were celebrated by Choricius of Gaza.