Ḥorvat Kanaf House

5th–6th Century

This reconstruction drawing shows a house in the village of Ḥorvat Kanaf, to the northeast of the Sea of Galilee, fronted by a courtyard with a staircase giving access to the roof. A “window wall” separated the front of the house from the central part. The openings in the wall provided light to the interior and facilitated the circulation of air. Built against the other side of the wall was a raised gallery, probably used for sleeping. Two other rooms were located in the back and were likely used for storage of goods and food.

Isometric cutaway illustration of a stone-walled ancient building with multiple rooms, stairs, and artifacts. Two human figures in the building perform domestic tasks, and another stands outside with a donkey. Below the illustration is a floor plan and scale.

Credits

Dr. Leen Ritmeyer, Ritmeyer Archaeological Design.

Published in: The Posen Library of Jewish Culture and Civilization, vol. 2: Emerging Judaism.

Engage with this Source
Stone ruins with partial walls, including some with window-like openings, surrounded by trees and greenery; shade cloths are stretched above part of the site.
Tooltip info icon

Related Guide

Architecture of Ancient Jewish Houses and Palaces

4th Century BCE–6th Century CE