The Romano-Byzantine site of Šams al-Dīn, ancient Mōnēsis, is located 18 kilometers N-W of Dūš, on the ancient caravan route connecting Lycopolis and Hibis. Limited archaeological excavation has been conducted here, with only the church, located in the S-W corner of the perimeter of the ancient residential area, having been investigated (Ghica 2012: 216). Excavations were carried out in 1975, led by Guy Wagner and Jean Gascou, in association with the Institut Français d’Archéologie Orientale. The church, which is of simple basilica type, is believed to have been erected in the mid to latter half of the fourth century CE (Wagner 1987: 358-359; Timm 1984-1992: 2264). It is without an apse, and has a rectangular sanctuary, with two rows of columns delimiting three naves. A seventh column is located in the center of the wall opposite the sanctuary and completes the support of the roof (Sauneron 1976: 411). Much of the significance of the site derives from the numerous Greek graffiti and dipinti inscribed on the walls of the choir, of the vestibule, of the corridor leading to the church and of the room receiving travellers (kathesterion), totaling to around seventy (Wagner 1987: 27-43). These inscriptions are not only incredibly informative regarding faith and worship at the time, including reference to a high number of Christian soldiers stationed at Mōnēsis, but are an indispensable means of dating the structure. As well as the graffiti, a number of objects of worship were also uncovered, including five Greek ostraka (4^th century) and a plaque in wood (3^rd century) (Wagner 1987: 182).