Unique Mosaic Unearthed

February 5, 2008

In an exclusive interview with Bridges for Peace, Dr. Leibner explained that traditional dating has placed a series of synagogues throughout the Galilee in the Late Roman Period, but that recently some scholars have said that they only emerged in the Byzantine Period (AD 324–641). In his dig, Dr. Leibner said that they found evidence, such as coins and pottery, suggesting that the synagogue was abandoned sometime in the fourth century AD. He also said that the synagogue was a two-phase building, which would further suggest that it was first built in the Late Roman Period.

The mosaic discovered on one section of the synagogue floor is a unique find unequaled in other uncovered synagogues in Israel. While most synagogue art of the time featured traditional stories from the Bible, such as the building of the Temple or Noah’s ark, this mosaic depicts several woodworkers carrying a variety of tools. Near the workers is a monumental structure of some kind that they are building. The mosaic has been removed from the synagogue for restoration and further study.