Series of discoveries include depictions of Noah’S Ark, parting of Red Sea
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(Photo by Joe Kovacs)
(JERUSALEM POST) — A Roman-era mosaic depicting the biblical prophet Samson has been uncovered by archaeologists at the 1,600-year-old synagogue at Huqoq, an ancient Jewish village in the Lower Galilee.
The discovery was made as part of an international archaeological effort led by Prof. Jodi Magness from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
The excavation project has shone a light on the Land of Israel in the late Roman era of around 400 CE, revealing much about the socio-cultural dynamics of the period.
Situated near the main entrance of the synagogue, the newly uncovered mosaic consists of a substantial panel displaying a Hebrew inscription framed within a wreath. Complementing this centerpiece is an Aramaic inscription nearby and below appears to record either the names of the generous patrons who financed the synagogue’s mosaics, or the artists who brought them to life.
This inscription stands as a timeless testament to their contribution, expressing a desire for their memory to be cherished. The wreath is flanked on both sides by a pair of lions laying their forepaws on bulls’ heads. The mosaic panel is also entirely surrounded by a decorated border that features predatory animals hunting their prey.
Mosaic panels depicting key moments in the life of the biblical figure, Samson, had been uncovered in the excavation seasons of 2012 and 2013. These include vivid portrayals of Samson’s exploits with the foxes, as narrated in Judges 15:4, and the heroic episode of Samson hauling the Gaza gate on his shoulders, as detailed in Judges 16:3.
This year’s dig added further depth to the Samson narrative, as newly exposed sections included a Philistine horseman and a slain Philistine soldier with a striking, classic face.
Earlier findings, including the earliest known depictions of biblical heroines Deborah and Jael
The year prior, the team discovered another panel, which is separated into three horizontal sections. It brought to life scenes from Judges chapter 4, depicting the prophetess and judge Deborah under a palm tree, gazing at a shield-equipped Barak, and the Kenite woman Yael driving a tent stake through the temple of Canaanite general Sisera, who lies on the ground with blood gushing out of his head. These findings hold the distinction of being the earliest known depictions of biblical heroines Deborah and Jael.
Border scene of a tiger chasing ibex – from the inscription mosaic in the Huqoq synagogue, June 2023. (credit: JIM HABERMAN)
Over the course of the decade-long Huqoq excavation project, the team made a series of discoveries that have shed light on our historical understanding. Among these finds is a Hebrew inscription surrounded by human figures, animals, and mythological creatures, including putti or cupids. Additionally, for the first time ever in an ancient synagogue, a non-biblical story was found depicted in a mosaic panel, which might portray the legendary meeting between Alexander the Great and the Jewish high priest.