Guide
Archisynagōgos and Archisynagōgissa
1st–6th Centuries
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Related Primary Sources
Primary Source
Latin Inscription on Marble Plaque from Ostia, Italy
For Plotius Fortunatus the archisynagogos. Plotius Ampliatus, Secundinus [and] Secunda made [the monument] . . . , and Ofilia Basilia for her well-deserving husband.
Source:…
Primary Source
Greek Inscriptions from Rome
Here lies Euphrasis, archisynagogos, who lived a good life (?).
Here lies Poly . . . nis, archisynagogos of the synagogue of the Vernaclians, aged 53. In peace his sleep.…
Primary Source
Greek Inscription on Marble Tablet from Smyrna, Asia Minor
Rufina, a Jewess, head of the synagogue [archisynagōgos], built this tomb for her freed slaves and the slaves raised in her house. No one else has the right to bury anyone (here). If someone should…
Primary Source
Rufina Inscription, Smyrna
This Greek inscription from Smyrna, Asia Minor, refers to a woman named Rufina as the head of the synagogue, perhaps indicating that women could function as Jewish religious and community leaders…
Primary Source
Latin Inscription from Rome
To the well-deserving Stafylus, archon and archisynagogus, who held all the honours. Restituta his wife made (the monument). In peace your sleep.
Source: CIJ 1.265
Primary Source
Latin Inscription on Marble Tablet from Capua, Italy
Publius (?) Alfius Juda the archon (and) archisynagogos, who lived 70 years 7 months 10 days. Alfia Soteris, with whom he lived 48 years, made (the monument) for her incomparable, well-deserving…
Primary Source
Greek Inscriptions from Beth Shearim, Lower Galilee
Of Joses, archisynagogos of Sidon.
Source: IJO 3.Syr18
Here lies Eusebius, the most honourable archisynagogos of the Beirutians.…
Primary Source
Greek Inscription on Lintel from Sepphoris, Central Galilee
In the time(?) of Gelasius(?), scholasticus, most illustrious comes, son of Aetius the comes, of Judah the archisynagogos, (and) of Sidonius the archisynagogos—these enclosures(?) on behalf of Ianus…
Primary Source
Greek Inscription on Marble Plaque from Crete
Sophia of Gortyn, presbytera and archisynagogissa of Kissamus, (lies) here. The memory of the righteous woman (be) forever. Amen.
Source: IJO 1.Cre3
Primary Source
Sophia Inscription, Crete
This Greek inscription, from a synagogue in Crete, refers to a woman named Sophia as elder and head of the synagogue.
Primary Source
Greek Inscription on Marble Pillar from Myndos, Asia Minor
[From Th]eopempte, head of the synagogue [archisyn(agōgos/gōgissa)—Ed.], and her son Eusebios.
Source: IJO 2.25
Primary Source
Greek Funerary Inscriptions from Venosa, Italy
Tomb. Joseph, archisynagogos, son of Joseph, archisynagogos. Peace upon his resting-place.
Source: JIWE 1.70 / CIJ 1.584
Tomb of Kallistos, child,…
Related Guide
Leadership of the Early Synagogue
1st–7th Centuries