Archaeologists believed they had unearthed the remains of a Byzantine monk buried beneath an ancient monastery in Jerusalem. But years later, new scientific evidence has turned that theory upside down—this was no monk, but one of the earliest known nuns in Christian history.
A Hidden Burial Beneath a Sacred City
For centuries, Jerusalem has been a spiritual hub, attracting pilgrims from around the world. Among its many religious relics, the Khirbat el-Masani monastery, in the northern part of the city, held secrets waiting to be uncovered.
In 2023, researchers announced the discovery of a burial site within the Byzantine-era structure, initially identifying the remains as those of a monk adorned with jewelry—an unusual find, given the ascetic lifestyle of Byzantine monastics.
Two years later, a groundbreaking study, set to be published in April 2025 in the Journal of Archaeological Science, reveals the truth: this was not a monk, but a woman who lived and died within the monastic order of the Byzantine Empire.
Unmasking the Nun Through Science
Determining the sex of a centuries-old skeleton is no simple task, especially when time has eroded much of the remains. But scientists focused on two key areas: the spine and the teeth.
By analyzing the vertebrae, they estimated that the individual was between 20 and 60 years old at the time of death. A more precise clue lay in the second premolar—a tooth that had withstood the centuries.
Laboratory analysis of AmelX peptides, proteins linked to XX chromosomes, confirmed the skeleton belonged to a woman, likely around 30 years old when she passed.
This discovery rewrites the story of female asceticism in the Byzantine era, shedding light on a chapter of religious history often overshadowed by male-dominated narratives.
The Lost History of Early Christian Nuns
At the time of her burial in the 5th century, Christianity was rapidly spreading, and monasticism was flourishing. Byzantine monks, known for their extreme devotion, often renounced all earthly possessions. Yet, the burial site contained an array of jewelry and ornaments, initially leading researchers to misidentify the remains.
The existence of a female monastic figure in such a setting challenges long-held beliefs about the role of women in early Christianity. While male monasticism was well-documented, early female monasticism remains a shadowy subject.
Women like Mary Magdalene and Lydia were recognized in Christian texts, but their roles in ascetic practices were less explored.
This discovery offers rare evidence that women, too, embraced extreme religious devotion, possibly forming some of the first known nunneries within the Byzantine Empire.
A Discovery That Reshapes History
Unearthing a 5th-century nun in a setting typically reserved for monks raises profound questions. Was female asceticism more widespread than previously believed? How many more forgotten nuns might lie beneath ancient monasteries?
This skeleton, once mistaken for a monk, now stands as a testament to the hidden contributions of women in early Christianity.
