Monday, July 02, 2012

Samson in Mosaic Tiles

Archaeological news that confirms Jewish presence in the Land of Israel following the loss of independence:

A monumental synagogue building dating to the Late Roman period (ca. 4th-5th centuries C.E.) has been discovered in archaeological excavations at Huqoq in Israel's Galilee...located approximately two to three miles west of Capernaum and Migdal (Magdala)...excavations ha(ve) revealed portions of a stunning mosaic floor decorating the interior of the synagogue building...depicting Samson placing torches between the tails of foxes (as related in the book of Judges 15). In another part of the mosaic, two human (apparently female) faces flank a circular medallion with a Hebrew inscription that refers to rewards for those who perform good deeds.

"This discovery is significant because only a small number of ancient (Late Roman) synagogue buildings are decorated with mosaics showing biblical scenes...", said Magness, the Kenan Distinguished Professor in the department of religious studies in UNC's College of Arts and Sciences. "Our mosaics are also important because of their high artistic quality and the tiny size of the mosaic cubes. This, together with the monumental size of the stones used to construct the synagogue's walls, suggest a high level of prosperity in this village, as the building clearly was very costly."

A picture:

1 comment:

Unknown said...

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