Fifth-century synagogue found in Albania

The Jerusalem Post ^ | 8 October 2003 | JERUSALEM POST STAFF

[anotherview]

Oct. 8, 2003
Fifth-century synagogue found in Albania
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF

Impressive remains of a synagogue dating from the fifth or sixth century CE have been revealed in the Albanian coastal city of Saranda, opposite the Greek island of Corfu.

Initial excavations at the site were conducted some 20 years ago when Albania was under tight Communist rule.

The synagogue has come to light as the result of an invitation from the Archeology Institute of the Albanian Academy of Sciences, asking the Hebrew University Institute of Archeology to participate in a joint excavation and study project at the site.

Working in the past few weeks have been professors Ehud Netzer and Gideon Foerster of the Hebrew University, together with Albanian archeologists Kosta Lako and Etleva Nalbani.

The synagogue underwent various periods of use, including its conversion into a church. Particularly noteworthy among the finds are two mosaic pavements.

One features at its center a seven-branched menora flanked by an etrog and a shofar, symbols associated with the Jewish holidays.

The other mosaic pavement, in the center section, contains a number of representations, including a variety of animals, trees, symbols alluding to biblical lore, and the facade of a structure resembling a temple (perhaps a Torah ark). Other mosaic pavements at the site preceded the building of the synagogue.

The Israeli researchers stressed the excellent relationship they enjoyed with their Albanian colleagues.

The Hebrew University researchers hope to continue excavations and research in other parts of the structure, which are still covered by buildings and streets.

[LiteKeeper]

SPOTREP - ARCHAEOLOGY

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[theDentist]

As Coach sings: "Al-ban-eee-ah! Al-ban-eee-ah!
You border on the Ay-dree-atic!
Your lands, are moun-tain-us!
And your chief export is coal."

[DManA]

Couldn't possible be from the 5th or 6th century. Muhammad didn't have his first revelation until about 610.

[MineralMan]

"Couldn't possible be from the 5th or 6th century. Muhammad didn't have his first revelation until about 610."

What are you talking about? They found a _synagogue_, not a mosque. And, there were synagogues or temples long before Jesus ever showed up.

Please read more closely.

[DManA]

Way did I read Mosque instead of synagogue?

[Graybeard58]

"Way did I read Mosque instead of synagogue"?


...Possibly for the same reason that I read Alabama instead of Albania.
...I am old (58) How about you?

[fhayek]

Say, did you guys hear that they found a 4th century mosque in Alabama? Near Mobile, I think.

[Graybeard58]

"Say, did you guys hear that they found a 4th century mosque in Alabama? Near Mobile, I think"

...I didn't say it made sense, just that I read it wrong the first time. good thing I didn't respond after only glancing at it.

Mobile Mosque? Just damn, a Mosque on wheels- and in the 4th. century.

[RightWhale]

You aren't old until Social Security starts sending letters asking if you intend to retire SOON.

[tubavil]

Fifth-century synagogue found in Albania
Muslims announce new "holy" site in Albania, mosque construction begins tomorrow.

[Simcha7]

Shalom!

Vell...Sirs,

You Both Need Glasses, LOL!

I need Glasses too...can't read without them anymore.

OY VEY!

Don't forget that the Roman Army drove the JEWS out of ISRAEL, they fled for their very lives to ALL four corners of the earth at the end of the First Century, AD.

Therefore, a Synagogue in Albania is certainly Possible!

Also...Yeshua / Jesus The Messiah walked this earth 5 Centuries BEFORE the Heretical Islamic Cult began.

That is a Historical FACT.

[DManA]

49. Can't even blame the drink I didn't have.

In my defense, I'm taking a course on the history of Islam, so it's kind of on my mind.

[mark502inf]

A very little known & little visited area. Just south of Sarande are the ruins of Butrint--a wonderful place to see everything from Greek & Roman ruins on up thru Ottoman & Venetian fortifications. There's a nice Illyrian hilltop fortification about 15 minutes away as well. Some Byzantine era walls can still be seen at Saranda, but the Albanian dictator Hoxha wasn't real concerned about archaeology so they have been covered by those Stalinist style apartment buildings.

There was a Jewish colony up the coast at Vlore that actually gained population during WWII. Not there now, not sure if Hoxha's atheism policy did them in or whether they emigrated after communism fell.