Inscription in Hippos may indicate oldest home for elderly

University of Haifa researchers have uncovered a Greek mosaic inscription bearing the unusual blessing, “Peace be with the elders,” during archaeological excavations in Hippos (Sussita National Park) near the Sea of Galilee. The inscription, dated to the late fourth or, at the latest, early fifth century C.E., likely points to the existence of the oldest known nursing home discovered in an archaeological excavation.

“This is living proof that care and concern for the elderly are not just a modern idea, but were part of social institutions and concepts as far back as about 1,600 years ago,” said Michael Eisenberg of the Zinman Institute of Archaeology and the Department of Archaeology at the University of Haifa, and co-director of the excavation project.

The research team analyzed the Gre