Archaeologists have uncovered a 1,500-year-old synagogue in the Golan Heights, offering new insights into ancient Jewish communities in the region that also played a role in the development of early Christianity. Located within the Yehudiya Nature Reserve, the structure was first identified through earlier surveys and was later revealed through a focused excavation effort.
The synagogue, measuring approximately 43 feet wide by 56 feet long, was constructed with a basilica-style layout influenced by ancient Roman civic architecture. Excavators initially found fragments of column drums, decorated basalt stones, and menorah decorations, some of which were reused in a nearby abandoned Syrian village. Following the recent excavation, the structure’s southern wall was revealed, featuring three openings facing Jerusalem, a hallmark of ancient Israeli synagogues.
Archaeologist Mechael Osband, who led the excavation, highlighted that the column drums were arranged along a path in the village, which intrigued researchers. Dror Ben-Yosef, an archaeologist with the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, stated that the site will eventually be made accessible to tourists. He noted that the Golan region has produced about 25 other ancient synagogues, underscoring the region’s significant Jewish presence during the Roman and Byzantine eras.
While the region was predominantly Jewish during these periods, it also housed early Christian communities. Recent archaeological discoveries in Galilee, including a treasure hoard tied to a forgotten Jewish uprising, highlight the area’s rich historical and religious heritage. The synagogue’s findings add to a growing body of evidence that illuminates the complex interplay between Jewish and Christian traditions in the region during the late antique period.