Archaeologists have discovered a historic Jewish quarter in southwest Russia. It was found near the ruins of an ancient synagogue, believed to be the oldest one ever uncovered outside Israel. Experts say this synagogue was built about 2,000 years ago, during the era of the Second Temple.
The discovery was first made last year in Phanagoria, a site known for its ancient history. Recently, researchers shared details of this important find at a press conference in Russia. Vladimir Kuznetsov, a lead archaeologist from the Russian Academy of Sciences, presented the findings. He highlighted the significance of uncovering such a rare piece of history.
Tablet inscribed with the Greek word “synagein” found
The synagogue, built in 51 CE, stood for around 500 years before its destruction. During excavations, researchers uncovered its foundations along with remarkable artifacts, including marble lamps, sconces, and ancient tablets.
One tablet features the Greek word “synagein,” which means synagogue, leading experts to recognize it as one of the oldest synagogues ever discovered and the oldest outside Israel.
The remnants of a Second Temple era synagogue uncovered in Russia: archaeological news release.
Remains of a synagogue fm the time of the Second Temple discovered in the ancient Grecian city of Phanagoria located in today's Southwestern Russia btwn the Sea of Azov & the Black Sea pic.twitter.com/yVDvQWNTW0— Rita Rosenfeld (@rheytah) August 16, 2023
The site revealed richly decorated walls with unique Jewish marble designs, distinct from those found in Israel. Researchers noted that synagogues from the Second Temple period were rare and typically built by Jewish communities living far from Jerusalem. This synagogue, like others of its time, served as a center for Jewish life in the region.
In the 6th century AD, local tribes looted the city and set its buildings on fire, leaving the synagogue in ruins.
At first, archaeologists believed they had uncovered an ancient Christian church. However, further excavation revealed artifacts with Jewish symbols, changing their understanding of the site. Among the discoveries were three marble menorahs and a stone lid from a charity box, offering clear evidence of Jewish origins.
The building, covering 140 square meters, consisted of two main rooms. One was a prayer hall featuring three rows of benches, a platform, and a smaller adjoining room. The second room likely served as a space for meals and community gatherings.
A garden with a mikveh, or ritual bath found
Next to the synagogue, archaeologists uncovered a winery used to produce kosher wine and a storage building for food prepared for community meals. Behind the synagogue, they identified a garden, believed to have served as a mikveh, or ritual bath. The site also included clay barrels for irrigation, residential buildings, and a sophisticated water supply system.
Inside the synagogue, copper coins were found scattered across the floor, with many near the platform and benches. More coins were discovered close to the charity box lid. In total, 58 copper coins were recovered, providing further insight into the activities within the building.
Vladimir Kuznetsov noted that the Jewish community in Phanagoria was likely wealthy. This conclusion was based on the synagogue’s location in an upscale part of the city and its ornate decorations, including marble menorahs. Plans are now underway to excavate the surrounding Jewish quarter to uncover more about the community’s life.
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