A Christian Dedicatory Inscription at Shiloh

Abstract

sherds are dated by PNre Vincent in the third or early fourth century A. D.; in no case are they Byzantine, since the ribbing was done with the fingers, both inside and outside of the sherds having corresponding grooves. Some of the preceding dates are later than those given by several of the scholars whom I have consulted, so that any revision of our chronology must be upward, not downward. Even with our minimum chronology, however, we have a complex evolution covering at least five, and probably six centuries, from the first urban installation of the Nabataeans at Petra to the victory of Christianity. It is unique in its way, being probably the oldest sanctuary yet found at Petra, as well as a most interesting monument of pagan Arab cult. In conclusion I wish to thank Mr. and Mrs. Horsfield, Dr. I. Ben Dor, Pare Vincent, Mr. and Mrs. Crowfoot, Mr. Iliffe, Dr. Sukenik, and Mr. S. Yeivin for help and useful advice in connection with the preparation of this preliminary report.