A permanent settlement was first established during the middle Nabatean period, in the mid-first century A.D. . Most of the city’s buildings – mainly grand private dwellings – were built in the late Nabatean period, in the 2nd century A.D. , after the Nabatean kingdom was annexed to Rome in 106 A.D. .

The gate

The Main Street

The tower

The wealthy house

A grand building in the center of which is a rectangular courtyard surrounded by rooms.

The Flour Mill

The “Nabatu house ”  – The largest house found in the city

The Frescoes House

The Stables

When trade in Mamshit waned with the Roman occupation, the occupants found another way to make a living: raising hoses. The residents of Mamshit bred the renowned Arabian horse, which brought great wealth to their city. Two stable complexes are found in Mamshit. One adjacent to the “Nilus Church” and the other in “Nabatu house”.

The city’s buildings continued in use during the late Roman period, in the 3rd and 4th centuries A.D. , and at the end of the 3rd century A.D. it was surrounded by a wall. Apparently at the beginning of the 5th century A.D., two churches were built , the Western Church – Nilus Church , and the Eastern Church. The  Church were in use until the Persian invasion (614 AD or 636AD).  During the Byzantine period Mamshit also received support from the authorities for being a frontier city. When this funding dried up, at the time of Justinian, the city died a natural death.
“Church of St. Nilus”

“God, save your servant Nilus, lover of Jesus, who founded this building. Preserve him and his household”

The Eastern Church

“Church of the Martyrs” – this church was part of a monastery complex.

Baptismal chamber

The Market

Public reservoir

Byzantine bathhouse