A spectacular mosaic from about 1,600 years ago was uncovered during excavations in an ancient synagogue in the Huqoq area near the Sea of Galilee. The mosaic was discovered by a team of archaeologists, led by Professor Jodi Magness from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, who deals with the archeology of the Land of Israel and Jordan and specializes in the Roman, Byzantine, and early Muslim periods.
The newly discovered mosaic consists of a large slab, in the center of which is an enigmatic inscription in Hebrew, which is surrounded by floral decorations. On the sides and below the flowers is an Aramaic inscription that lists the names of the donors who provided funding for the construction of the ancient synagogue mosaic or of the people who created it, so that their names will be remembered forever.
A team of specialists and students led by University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill professor Jodi Magness has uncovered a spectacular mosaic panel in the late Roman synagogue at Huqoq, an ancient Jewish village in Israel’s Lower Galilee. https://t.co/2rDinbnQ87
— Nate Saunders (@SaundersWPTF) July 11, 2023
In the excavations conducted this summer, additional fragments of mosaics, discovered in 2012 and 2013, were also revealed, depicting the image of the biblical Samson as well as a description of two pairs of foxes with their tails tied to a torch, by the description that appears in the book of Judges, chapter 15. In addition, the image of who is considered the 12th and last judge mentioned in the Book of Judges while carrying the gate of the city of Gaza, which he uprooted and carried on his shoulders to the top of the mountain is also depicted.
A team of specialists and students led by #UNC professor Jodi Magness has uncovered a spectacular mosaic panel in Galilee. Learn how the 11th season of excavations in the 1,600-year-old synagogue revealed mosaics of Samson and commemorative inscriptions https://t.co/5jPbeZ3pzm
— UNC-Chapel Hill (@UNC) July 10, 2023
Excavations in Huqoq back in 2022 uncovered a panel in the southwest aisle divided into three horizontal strips that depict an episode from Judges chapter 4: the biblical prophetess and judge Deborah under a palm tree, gazing at Barak, who is equipped with a shield; and the Kenite woman Jael hammering a tent stake through the temple of the Canaanite general Sisera, who lies dead on the ground with blood gushing out of his head. These are the earliest known depictions of the biblical heroines Deborah and Jael.
Archaeologists uncover mosaic showing five loaves and two fish near Sea of Galilee https://t.co/hC8xcU7YNf God is still alive and working.
— Phyllis Bowman (@tpmase77) February 12, 2023
The new fragments to the mosaic that were uncovered included, among others, a Philistine horseman and a dead Philistine soldier. The archaeological project in Huqoq, which has been managed by Prof. Magnes since 2011, has left over time an extraordinary legacy of finds of historical significance, including a Hebrew inscription surrounded by human figures, animals, and many mythological creatures.
