Mosaic Floor, Aegina, Greece

Ancient synagogues served as central hubs for Jewish prayer, study, and community life. Archaeological evidence and primary texts reveal the evolution of these sacred spaces from the Hellenistic era to Late Antiquity.

Related Guide

Synagogue Inscriptions Noting Donations

3rd Century BCE–7th Century CE

Relief from Synagogue, Ostia, Italy

This tablet would have decorated the synagogue’s Torah shrine. It depicts a menorah, a shofar, and the four plant species used on Sukkot.

View Source

Drawing of a raised, columned structure with shelves inside, upon which scrolls rest.

Torah Shrine from Synagogue, Ostia, Italy (Drawing)

Reconstruction drawing of the Torah shrine in the synagogue of Ostia, Italy, first century CE. Built of brick and marble, this monumental shrine housed the ark containing the scrolls of the Torah.

View Source

Ancient mosaic featuring two lions facing a central grid with Greek letters, surrounded by decorative patterns. The scene appears weathered, with part of the mosaic damaged in the lower left corner.

Greek Mosaic Inscription, Ḥammat Tiberias

This mosaic comes from a synagogue at Ḥammath Tiberias. One of the inscriptions extends across two panels, so that the nine panels commemorate eight donors or benefactors to the building. Four of the…

View Source

Ancient mosaic with Hebrew script, bordered by geometric patterns, including interwoven designs at the bottom. The text is clearly visible within a rectangular frame.

Hebrew Mosaic Inscription, Susiya

This mosaic inscription from the synagogue at Susiya, in the Hebron hills, names R. Isai and R. Yoḥanan as benefactors of the synagogue building.

View Source

Black and white drawing of an ancient mosaic featuring menorahs, animals, a zodiac wheel with a chariot in the center, and geometric patterns with animal motifs in the lower section. Parts of the mosaic appear to be damaged or missing.

Mosaic Floor, Naaran, Jordan

This panel from the mosaic floor in the synagogue at Naaran, in the Jordan Valley, depicts the ark flanked by two symmetrical seven-armed menorahs, from which two lamps are hanging. Below this is a…

View Source

Ancient mosaic floor featuring intricate geometric patterns and a Hebrew inscription, with some sections damaged or worn.

Aramaic Mosaic Inscription, Jericho

This inscription in the mosaic floor of the Jericho synagogue expresses gratitude to everyone who donated to fund the construction of the mosaic.

View Source

Mosaic Floor, Aegina, Greece

Places:

Subjects:

Related Guide

Related Guide

You may also like