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ancient synagogue

ancient synagogue Latest

Marcello Provenzale's 1608 micro-mosaic represents Cardinal Scipione Borghese as Orpheus, sitting beneath a tree surrounded by both real and imagined creatures.

May 7 Blog

Borrowing from the Neighbors

By: Sarah Yeomans

Living in the Greco-Roman world, early Christians were able to draw from a set of rich artistic paradigms when they set out to depict their stories and beliefs in decorative contexts. This often led to the assimilation of well-established pagan artistic styles and images into early Christian art. The sculptors, fresco painters and mosaic artists who created Christian images did so by using the prolific examples of art and decoration that shaped their artistic landscape.

House of Peter in Capernaum

Oct 7 Blog

The House of Peter: The Home of Jesus in Capernaum?

By: BAS Staff

Italian excavators working in Capernaum may have uncovered the remnants of the humble house of Peter that Jesus called home while in Capernaum.

The Magdala Stone. Photo: Yael Yulowich, Israel Antiquities Authority

Aug 17 Blog

The Magdala Stone: The Jerusalem Temple Embodied

By: Jennifer Ristine

For a people living in the diaspora, unable to visit the Jerusalem Temple frequently, what kept the memory and centrality of the Temple fresh in their minds? An intriguing stone uncovered at the Galilean site of Magdala might offer a clue.

Synogogue Zodiacs

Jul 1 Blog

Jewish Worship, Pagan Symbols

By: Walter Zanger

What are zodiac mosaics doing in ancient synagogues in Israel?

sepphoris

Jul 18 Blog

First Person: The Sun God in the Synagogue

By: Hershel Shanks

The 92nd Street Y in New York City called me a few months ago, asking me to speak. We discussed possible topics, and I finally chose “What’s a Greek God Doing in an Ancient Synagogue?” They also agreed to my asking two real experts to join me on the platform: Jodi Magness of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Steve Fine of Yeshiva University. We had a good time—and so did the enthusiastic audience—but we didn’t solve the problem, at least to my mind.

Sep 8 Blog

A Samson Mosaic from Huqoq

By: Biblical Archaeology Society Staff

Jodi Magness's excavations at Huqoq have exposed an elaborate Samson mosaic as well as new insights into the development of ancient synagogues.

shikhin-lamps

Jul 4 Blog

An Ancient Jewish Lamp Workshop in the Galilee

By: Robin Ngo

Excavations conducted in an ancient Jewish village near Nazareth in Israel uncovered the remains of an oil lamp workshop.

ein-gedi-bible-scroll1

Apr 9 Blog

Book of Leviticus Verses Recovered from Burnt Hebrew Bible Scroll

By: Robin Ngo

A burnt ancient scroll found 45 years ago has finally been deciphered thanks to advanced digital technology. The scroll was revealed to contain verses from the Book of Leviticus.

museum-of-the-bible-architecture

Nov 15 Blog

Museum of the Bible: Part Museum, Part Holy Land Experience

By: Robin Ngo

The Museum of the Bible is opening in Washington, DC. Take a look at some of the spectacular exhibition spaces and interactive rooms.

huqoq-tower-of-babel

Aug 2 Blog

Huqoq 2017: Mosaics of Jonah and the Whale, the Tower of Babel and More

By: Nicola McCutcheon

The 2017 excavation season at Huqoq unearthed more stunning mosaics depicting Greco-Roman and Biblical scenes, including the story of Jonah and the whale and the construction of the Tower of Babel.

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