The Synagogue at Ḥorbat Merot: Its Construction Phases and a New Interpretation of the Finds (Hebrew; English summary)

This article focuses on the ancient synagogue uncovered at Ḥorbat Merot and offers a new interpretation of its various phases. Three strata were identified: Stratum I, predating the synagogue, from the Early Roman period; Stratum II, the construction of the synagogue and its use, with three phases dating from the Byzantine to the Early Islamic periods; and Stratum III, when the building served as a dwelling in the Mamluk period. In the Ottoman period, an Algerian village existed on-site. The excavation of the synagogue yielded many finds, including coin deposits dating from the fourth and fifth centuries CE; a treasury of gold and copper coins; architectural elements; chalkstone vessels; and part of a colorful mosaic depicting King David playing a five-string lyre. The main Stratum II Phase 2 synagogue was apparently destroyed in the 749 CE earthquake and subsequently rebuilt. The later Stratum II Phase 3 synagogue included a gallery, courtyards, a Bet Midrash and a study room(?). The Jewish settlement ended in the ninth–tenth centuries CE.