Tiberias Synagogue: the oldest mosaic floor ever discovered in a synagogue
Two synagogues dated to the fourth century were found in Tiberias.
The remains of the "Hammat Tiberias Synagogue", the better-known of the two synagogues, are known for its elaborate mosaic floor and are dated to the second half of the fourth century CE, which makes it the earliest mosaic pavement found in a synagogue.
The influence of early Church architecture and art can be seen in the mosaic floor, which displays the sun god with the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Motifs associated with the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem are also present.
Overview
Two synagogues dated to the fourth century were found in Tiberias.
The remains of the "Hammat Tiberias Synagogue", the better-known of the two synagogues, are known for its elaborate mosaic floor and are dated to the second half of the fourth century CE, which makes it the earliest mosaic pavement found in a synagogue.
The influence of early Church architecture and art can be seen in the mosaic floor, which displays the sun god with the twelve signs of the Zodiac. Motifs associated with the ancient Jewish Temple in Jerusalem are also present.
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