The late ancient synagogues of southern Palestine

A critical analysis of ten late ancient synagogues from southern Palestine reveals that, contrary to previous assumptions, none can be conclusively dated before the mid-4th century. These synagogues, located across regions such as Jericho and the Hebron Hills, are primarily products of the Byzantine period (6th or 7th centuries). While they do not exhibit distinct unifying features compared to those in Lower Galilee, some show evidence of Jewish-Christian inter-religious contact in art, architecture, and material culture. The study underscores the need for further inquiry into Jewish-Christian relations in late antique Palestinian Judaism.

Werlin, Steven H. (2012). The late ancient synagogues of southern Palestine [The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill University Libraries]. https://doi.org/10.17615/NPVG-KX81