Synagogue

View of the main hall of the Synagogue at Ostia—facing east (towards Jerusalem!).  This picture was taken from the back (west) wall of the synagogue.  Note the four large upright columns at the east end of the structure.  To the right of them is a raised podium with a large semi-circular niche in which the Torah Scrolls were kept.

There is evidence that an earlier synagogue, built in the middle of the first century A.D., stood here.  The current structure dates to the fourth century.  If this is correct, then this is the second oldest diaspora synagogue yet discovered—the oldest being on the island of Delos.

In the center of the image is a piece of "art" that was part of a modern art display that was being set up in the area (grr!  January 2011).