| Department |
Archive |
| Collection |
Byzantine Research Fund |
| Reference No. |
BRF/02/03/01/014 |
| Level |
Item |
| Place |
Bethlehem
|
| Dates |
1907-1909 |
| Donor/Creator |
Harvey, Mr William
|
| Scope and Content |
Close view of wall showing present, crusading and original opening to the building. Parts of lintel and cornice at the top.
The photograph is annotated in ink at the bottom: 'PROPORTIONS OF PRESENT, CRUSADING + ORIGINAL OPENINGS TO CHURCH. ANCIENT LINTEL ARCH + TRUSS OF CORNICE AT TOP OF PICTURE'. See also photo no. 02/13/19/04 (BRF no 02/03/01/15). |
| Further information |
The church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, is a large five-aisled basilica with transept, narthex, a trefoil apse and two entrances leading to the cave of the Nativity. It was built by Justinian I between 560 and 603/5 on the ruins of the first church which had been erected by Constantine I on the site of the cave of the Nativity. The building was decorated with lavish mosaics by Manuel I Komnenos with the contribution of the Latin King and the Bishop of Jerusalem according to the text of the dedicatory inscription which also names a certain Ephraim as the mosaicist. The rare theme of the Ecumenical Councils decorates the side aisles. |
| Reference |
BSA stud. vol. 138, fig.12.14. Link to article
|
