Ancient Synagogue Unearthed

Excavations near the Sea of Galilee in Isreal have uncovered the remains of a Roman-era synagogue.

Discovered amidst the ruins of a large Jewish village, the building is comprised of basalt and chalk stone, and two rows of benches along the walls. It also features a mosaic floor, which depicts tool-wielding woodworkers near a massive structure—a design not found in other Isreali synagogues or art during this period.

The artwork may represent the construction of Noah’s ark, the Jerusalem Temple or the tower of Babel, since Biblical scenes are common in synagogue art, said Uzi Leibner of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, who lead the excavation.

Researchers have removed the mosaic from the site to restore it.

—LiveScience Staff

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Credit: Gabi Laron, Hebrew University Institute of Archaeology