Governor's House

Abstract

~Ruins of residential buildings were found located on both sides of the main eastern street. In the street's north end is a private dwelling complex with a tall tower. It was named the "Governor's House". The total area of the complex is 659 sq.m., and it comprises three residential units. The structure may have been a private house, or part of a monastery connected with the adjoining Central Church. It may have been first constructed in the 4th-5th centuries as a 4-unit residential building with a total of 30 rooms. Then, between the 5th and 7th centuries one of the residential units was demolished and rebuilt as a church, while the other units became an administrative center. Since the Church played an important role in the management of the Byzantine towns, the administration may have been controlled by the Church. Later, during the Muslim period, the Governor's house may have separated from the control of the church which has lost its prominent position.