Archaeological finds reveal a long-term settlement regime for the cave the sanctuary is built around. Habitation only ceased after the Early
Abbasid period (late 8th to early 9th centuries), which is interpreted to show that both Christians and Muslims still venerated St Lot at the site throughout this time. The monastery had a large
basilical church 18 x 17 meters long, a reservoir, a hostel complex, and access to a wide range of foods including fruits, meats, and fish from the
Red Sea.
Tombs A communal tomb in a disused cistern, cave burials, and single stone-lined burials account for monks and pilgrims; at least one burial was of African origin, corroborating the presence of Coptic coins and pottery.
Onomasticon of officials and pilgrims Greek mosaic inscriptions name church officials including Bishop Iakovos, Abbot Sozomenos, Presbyter and County Bishop Christoforos, Presbyter and Oeconomos Zenos, Governor Ioannis son of Ravivos, Georgios the sacristan, and builders Ioannis Prokopios and Ioannis Savinou. Pilgrim graffiti includes names such as Nestacia Zenobia, Ulpius, Sozomenos, and Pavlos. ==World Heritage status==