Christianity took strong root in Madaba, which became an episcopal see – in 45 I its bishop took part in the Ecumenical Council of the church at Chalcedon. In this period, and particularly in the 6th century, Madaba was the centre of a mosaic school, which accounts for the large number of mosaics that were lavished on its churches and public and private buildings. Though the designs emanated from Constantinople, the quality of execution of mosaics in the area is from the skill of the Madaba craftsmen.
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Madaba
Dating back to around 4500 years, Madaba is noted in the Bible for the notable conquest by King Sihon of Heshbon. Though very few evidence of the city’s regal past remains, there are still some churches and pathways with remnants of the Byzantine era. The mosaics that adorn these ancient buildings provided Madaba with the name ‘City of Mosaics’.