Monastic Archaeology in Syria. Excavations at Dayr Mar Elian al-Sharqi, Qaryatayn: a Preliminary Report on the 2001, 2002 and 2003 Field Seasons.

Abstract Since the summer of 2001 archaeological excavations have been underway at the Syrian Catholic monastery of St Julian of the East (Dayr Mar Elian al-Sharqi), Qaryatayn. This monastery dates, according to historical sources, from at least the twelfth century although there are indications that elements of the complex may date from a much earlier period. This contribution outlines the preliminary results of the first three seasons of small-scale excavation, placing the monastery within a broader historical and geographical context, and emphasising the continued ideological importance of the site as a multi-faith pilgrimage destination. The paper frames some of the key methodological and theoretical research questions posed by monastic archaeology in the Christian east, and outlines the goals for the completion of a project that is, within the realms of late antique/early medieval archaeology, unusual in its scope and emphasis, as well as making accessible the preliminary results in anticipation of m...