The site of Emmaus Nicopolis was rediscovered in the 19th century by European explorers and archaeologists, most notably Edward Robinson, who identified the ruins near the Arab village of Amwas. Systematic excavations began in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, revealing extensive ruins from the Roman and Byzantine periods, including the remains of a large basilica and other ecclesiastical buildings.

In the mid-20th century, additional excavations were carried out, uncovering more of the city’s infrastructure, including streets, mosaics, and inscriptions. These findings solidified Emmaus Nicopolis’ identification as a major urban center in antiquity and as a significant Christian site.

The following summarize the archeological findings at the site:

Byzantine Basilica

The most prominent structure unearthed at Emmaus Nicopolis is the remains of a large Byzantine basilica, which dates back to the 5th century CE. This basilica was built to commemorate the appearance of Jesus to his disciples after his resurrection. The basilica was a grand structure with three naves and a large central apse. Fragments of mosaics have been found on the floor, with intricate designs typical of Byzantine art. The basilica also contained several chapels and was likely a major center of Christian worship and pilgrimage.

Roman Bathhouse

Excavations have uncovered a well-preserved Roman bathhouse at the site, indicative of the settlement’s prosperity during the Roman period. The bathhouse includes typical Roman architectural elements such as hypocausts (underfloor heating systems), which were used to heat the floors and the baths. This structure provides insight into the daily life and luxuries enjoyed by the inhabitants during the Roman era.

Inscriptions and Mosaics

Several inscriptions in Greek and Latin have been found at the site, some of which refer to religious dedications. These inscriptions help to confirm the identity of the site as Emmaus Nicopolis and highlight its importance in both the Roman and Byzantine periods. The mosaics, apart from those found in the basilica, include both religious and secular motifs. One notable mosaic features a representation of the Eucharistic symbols, connecting the site directly to early Christian liturgical practices.

Crusader-Era Remains

During the Crusader period, the site saw a revival of sorts, with the construction of a new church and fortifications. The remains from this period include the foundations of a Crusader church, built on the ruins of the earlier Byzantine structures. This church was part of the efforts by the Crusaders to reclaim and restore Christian holy sites in the Holy Land.

Jewish Graves

The graves date back primarily to the Roman period when Emmaus was a significant Jewish settlement, particularly during the time of the Bar Kokhba revolt (132-136 CE).

Among the finds were ossuaries, small chests or boxes made of limestone, used to store the bones of the deceased after the body had decomposed. This practice was common in Jewish burial customs during the Second Temple period. Some include inscriptions in Hebrew or Aramaic, often naming the deceased. Additionally, symbols such as the menorah, a common motif in Jewish burial sites, have been found, further indicating the Jewish identity of those buried here. Additional finding were burial caves, which were used by Jewish communities throughout Judea during the Roman period. These caves typically contained multiple burial niches (loculi) where bodies or ossuaries were placed.