The monastery and its church were built in the 5th century, remaining in use throughout the Byzantine period (in Israeli-Judaic terms: the Mishnaic and Talmudic periods). This being a major pilgrimage site, a number of buildings were built for the accommodation of pilgrims as well as the local monastic community, all surrounded by walls and other fortifications. In 614 the Sassanian (Persian) armies invaded Palestine laying waste to most of its churches and monasteries, including the one at Kursi.