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There is actually two peaks on Mt.
Nebo, Siyagha and al-Mukhayyat. During the sixth century
CE, a Byzantine monastery was constructed at Siyagha. It
was built on the foundations of an even earlier chapel,
which was erected by monks from Egypt during the third
or fourth century CE. Although little remains of the
buildings that housed them, the mosaics of this period
can be seen today inside the modern-day shrine atop
Siyagha. The main mosaic, which measures three by nine
meters, depicts the monastic pastime of wine-making, as
well as hunters and an assortment of animals. Outside
the building is an enigmatic Serpentine Cross. The
figure represents the bronze serpent taken up by Moses
in the desert, as well as the cross upon which Jesus was
crucified.
Just beyond Feisaliyya, a small town just east of Mt.
Nebo, is the remains of the village of Nebo. The place,
now known as Khirbet al-Mukhayyat, was mentioned in the
Bible as well as on the Mesha Stele. Here, during the
middle of the sixth century, villagers constructed their
own church dedicated to the Saints Lot and Procopius.
The floor was, of course, decorated with yet another
rich carpet of mosaics which can be seen today.
Travelers to Mt. Nebo seldom venture on to Khirbet al-Mukhayyat,
so a brief detour here might be especially rewarding. |