Dead Sea, Israel

The synagogue in Ein Gedi is one of the most impressive ancient synagogues unearthed in Israel. It was first built in the 3rd century CE and served a vibrant local Jewish population, most of whom were date palm and persimmon growers. The synagogue had a trapezoid shape that has been retained throughout its 300-year-long history. The synagogue remains visible to this day from the 5th-century CE renovations—the building was expanded, the Torah Ark was placed on the northern wall, and a new mosaic floor was put down. The floor contains five inscriptions, including a unique one with a warning and curse. The synagogue, as well as the settlement, was destroyed in the 6th century CE, likely during the reign of Emperor Justinian (527-565) and the period of his persecution of the Jews.

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