Writing in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is revealed as a rich epigraphic site with hundreds of inscriptions and graffiti spanning multiple languages and centuries. A recent study, involving a collaborative effort by epigraphists, historians, and art historians, uncovers a 'graphic symphony' of Latin, Greek, Arabic, Syriac, Armenian, Georgian, Slavic, and Rus scripts. This research challenges traditional labels like 'graffiti' and 'inscriptions,' instead exploring their purposes, materials, techniques, and distribution within the church's complex. The study highlights the interactions between different writings and languages, offering a new chapter in the history of this holy site and its use by pilgrims.

Ingrand-Varenne, E., & Dussart, C. (Eds.). (2026). Writing in the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem. Cultural Encounters in Late Antiquity and the Middle Ages. https://doi.org/10.1484/m.celama-eb.5.150719