The Southern <i>Photisterion</i> at the Hippos Cathedral and its Unique Byzantine-Period Liturgical Implements

Recent excavations at the Byzantine-period cathedral of Hippos above the Sea of Galilee have exposed part of an annexed photisterion (a hall with a baptismal font) and inside it a unique set of ecclesiastical items. While the bronze candelabrum and the marble reliquary, although exceptionally large, are known liturgical implements, the marble stone with three hemispheric cavities, probably meant for holding oils, is previously unattested, and may shed light on the type of baptismal-related rites practiced in the Hippos cathedral. Interestingly, this is the second photisterion that was part of this church complex, making the Hippos cathedral the only early church known to date with two photisteria. While the northern photisterion was part of the cathedral complex probably from its first phase, the southern baptismal font seems to have been added after the 590/1 ce renovations of the complex into a space that was probably a martyrion. This unusual find of a baptismal font built in a corner of a chapel, unearthed with part of its surrounding utensils surviving to our times, is introduced here to spark discussion of its full interpretation and how it expands our knowledge of Byzantine-period Christian communities and their rites.