Archaeologists Discover World’s Oldest Nursing Home in Ancient Christian City, near the Sea of Galilee

Archaeologists from the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the University of Haifa have made a remarkable discovery. While excavating the ruins of Hippos, an ancient city near the Sea of Galilee, they uncovered what is now considered the world’s oldest known nursing home. The site dates back about 1,600 years to the Byzantine period. It provides the first physical evidence of a Christian institution dedicated to elderly care.

The words “Peace be with the elders,” written in Greek, give archaeologists new insight into early Christian life in the Sea of Galilee region. (Courtesy of Michael Eisenberg, Ph.D., of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa/TPS-IL)

A Mosaic with a Clear Message

The key discovery was a colorful mosaic found at the entrance of a public building. The inscription, written in ancient Greek, says: “Peace be with the elders.” The artwork is framed with images of geese, cypress trees, fruits, and vessels – symbols of life and abundance in Byzantine art. Archaeologists believe this shows the building was used as a place to care for the city’s elderly. Dating back to the late 4th or early 5th century CE, the discovery offers a rare glimpse into how early Christian communities cared for their elderly. The mosaic was set just inside the doorway of a communal building along one of Hippos’ main streets, suggesting it was designed to honor and welcome older people as they entered.

Why This Discovery Matters?

Until now, most of what we knew about early Christian elder care came from written texts. This find brings that history to life in stone and color — showing that organized care for the elderly was not only valued, but built into the very fabric of community life centuries earlier than many had imagined.

As archaeologist Michael Eisenberg of the University of Haifa noted, “This is living proof that care and concern for the elderly are not just a modern idea but were part of social institutions and concepts as far back as about 1,600 years ago.”

For travelers who want to connect with this history firsthand, many of our Holy Land tours include visits to the Sea of Galilee region, where discoveries like Hippos bring the early Christian world to life.

The mosaic’s images—cypress trees, fruit, and Egyptian geese—were symbols of eternal life and abundance. (Courtesy of Michael Eisenberg, Ph.D., of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa/TPS-IL)

Hippos: From Hellenistic City to Christian Center

The ancient city of Hippos—known in Hebrew as Sussita—was originally part of the Decapolis, a league of Hellenistic cities. By the fourth and fifth centuries A.D., it had become an important Christian hub, serving as a bishop’s seat and home to at least seven churches. The newly identified nursing home stood near the city’s forum, the heart of civic life, underscoring its importance to the community.

An Early Tradition of Elder Care

This discovery reshapes our understanding of social life in the Byzantine world. Texts from the Byzantine era mention the existence of elderly care institutions, but this is the first time archaeologists have uncovered direct material evidence. The find highlights a key shift in early Christian society—responsibility for the elderly moving beyond family networks and into organized community care. It shows that organized care for seniors—often assumed to be a modern development—was already a recognized responsibility of Christian communities 1,600 years ago. The mosaic at Hippos serves not only as an archaeological treasure but also as a reminder: respect, dignity, and care for elders have been valued ideals for centuries.

Exploring Hippos and other sacred sites on our Christian tours offers an unmatched opportunity to experience this heritage where it was first lived and practiced.

Ready to walk through the same landscapes where ancient Christian communities flourished? Join one of our Holy Land journeys today and experience history, faith, and culture come alive.