1,600-year-old Samaritan Estate Discovered

Archaeologists in Israel have unearthed a remarkable 1,600-year-old Samaritan estate in Kafr Qasim, near Petach Tikva, shedding light on the wealth and cultural richness of an ancient community. This sprawling complex, uncovered by the Israel Antiquities Authority during excavations for a new neighborhood, is believed to be the birthplace of Menander, a Samaritan magician who succeeded Simon Magus, a figure mentioned in the Book of Acts, chapter 8, known as an early convert to Christianity and a key figure in Gnostic sects. The discovery offers a vivid glimpse into a thriving Samaritan society that flourished from the Roman to Byzantine periods, roughly the 4th to 7th centuries CE.

The estate is a testament to the prosperity of its inhabitants. Among its treasures are vibrant mosaic floors adorned with intricate geometric patterns and depictions of fruits and vegetables like grapes, dates, watermelons, artichokes, and asparagus, showcasing the community’s artistic sophistication. A particularly striking feature is a Greek inscription at the entrance of one room, reading “Good luck!”—equivalent to “Mazel tov!” in modern Hebrew—bearing the name Rabia, common among Samaritans at the time. This greeting hints at a culture that valued blessings and perhaps saw fortune as intertwined with fate or magic, aligning with the estate’s connection to Menander.

The site also reveals the Samaritans’ agricultural prowess. A well-preserved olive press, located near a ritual bath or mikveh, suggests that olive oil production was conducted with ritual purity in mind, a practice more typical of Jerusalem than Samaria. A spacious warehouse further underscores the estate’s role as an economic hub. Over time, however, the site’s purpose shifted. As Byzantine restrictions tightened after Samaritan revolts in the 5th and 6th centuries, luxurious residences gave way to agricultural facilities. Mosaic floors were damaged, and decorative elements were repurposed, reflecting a decline in the community’s fortunes. Yet, remarkably, the estate continued to function, retaining its Samaritan identity, as evidenced by distinctive ceramic oil lamps found at the site.

This discovery at Khirbet Kafr Ḥatta not only highlights the Samaritans’ historical significance but also their resilience. Descended from the ancient Israelites, Samaritans maintained a faith closely related to Judaism, and this estate underscores their shared heritage and challenges under foreign rule. Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu noted that the find illuminates the intertwined histories of Jews and Samaritans, both rooted in the Torah and enduring similar hardships. The site’s preservation alongside modern development plans ensures that this chapter of history will continue to inform and inspire.

Sources: 

MSN, Christian Post, Ynetnews, The Jerusalem Post, UPI, Xinhua, Archaeology News Online Magazine

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