Ancient Synagogues in Palestine: An Overview

Abstract Nearly a century has passed since Eleazar Lipa Sukenik delivered the Schweich Lectures on the topic of ancient synagogues in Palestine and Greece, which were published four years later by the British Academy. Sukenik established a typology and chronology of synagogue buildings in Palestine, consisting of an earlier (Galilean) type of the second to third centuries, and a later (Byzantine) type of the fifth and sixth centuries. Eventually, the typology was expanded to include a third (Transitional) type dating to the fourth and fifth centuries. Sukenik’s typology and chronology are still tremendously influential. However, since his time dozens more synagogues have been discovered and excavated, necessitating a reconsideration of his conclusions. This chapter sets the stage by providing an overview of ancient synagogues in Palestine and introducing readers to the traditional typology and chronology.