Synagogue Interior

View looking east from the west end of the synagogue. This reconstructed synagogue was the fourth structure to stand on this site. It is located just south of the Palaestra (the green grass area on the left side of the picture – left of the large tree). This large hall (197 ft. [60 m.] by 59 ft. [18 m.]) faces east, towards Jerusalem. At the far (east) end note the three doors and the two gabled "arks."

In the foreground is a marble table flanked on each side by lions. Note the mosaic "carpet" which covered the floor of this large hall. It has been estimated that it could house 1,000 people – a very large building indeed.

Over 80 Jewish inscriptions have been found in the excavations – mainly in Greek! Recent analysis of the finds suggest that the synagogue may date to the 6th(!), rather than to the 4th, century A.D. (Jodi Magness).

For a map and a brief description of Sardis Click Here.