Emmaus in 20^th -21^st centuries

1924-1930

The Dominican fathers L. H. Vincent and F. M. Abel from the French Ecole Biblique of Jerusalem excavate the northern and the southern Basilicas of Emmaus. A ceramic fragment found during this excavation testifies to the fact that the site was inhabited already during the Hasmonean period. Frs. Vincent and Abel advance the theory of a Roman villa existing prior to the Basilicas.

1930-1931

The current house with battlements is built on the hill by the Fathers of Betarram, the chaplains of the Carmel of Bethlehem.

1940s

During World War II, Polish soldiers of the Independent Carpathian Rifle Brigade hold camp at Emmaus and Latrun.

1948-1967

After the Israeli War of Independence, Emmaus finds itself in the demilitarized zone between Jordan and Israel. A UN representation stays in the house.

1967

The village of Amwas is destroyed during the Six-Days War

1970-1973

Dutch Near East Ministry rents the house 

1978

The Tel-Aviv University archaeologists excavate the Roman baths at Emmaus.

1980-1993

The house is rented by the French Centre for Scientific Research (CNRS).

Dec. 1993

The Catholic Community of the Beatitudes rents the house.

1993

The Association “Friends of Emmaus-Nicopolis” is founded through the initiative of Karl-Heinz and Louisa Fleckenstein, the coordinators of Emmaus excavation project.

1994-2002

Archaeological excavations are led at Emmaus under direction of the Finnish archaeologist Mikko Louhivuori (Rockfeller Museum, Jerusalem) and the Franciscan Father Michele Picirillo. The buildings belonging to the church complex, numerous mosaics, the sepulchral zone, and the stone quarry are discovered.

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