Muslim Invasions
Furthermore, even though later Muslim invasions were generally tolerant of Christianity, there is evidence that the Sassanians were less so. For one thing, it’s been suggested that members of the Sassanian Empire may have set fire to a monastery near Hippos, so it’s not impossible that they were also responsible for the destruction of the South-West Church.
Muslim Invasions
Ash And Debris
Regardless of the cause of the building’s demise, researchers are certain that it burned down. They assume that a section of the building caved in, resulting in a layer of ash and rubble covering the main hall. While the South-West Church’s use as a place of worship came to an end due to this dramatic incident, it was preserved for future archaeologists to investigate.
Ash And Debris