Wadi Qelt Synagogue, Archaeological site in Jericho Governorate, Palestine
Wadi Qelt Synagogue is an archaeological site near a royal palace complex dating to the early centuries of this era. The structure features a main hall with white plastered walls, several ancillary rooms, and a ritual bath arranged around a central courtyard.
The building was constructed between 70 and 50 BCE and may be among the earliest known synagogue structures. Archaeologist Ehud Netzer uncovered it while excavating the adjacent royal residential complex.
The building displays a blend of Jewish and Roman design elements visible in its layout and architectural details. The way different rooms surround a central courtyard tells us about daily life and religious practices of that era.
The site requires appropriate footwear and patience to explore its partially excavated and uneven structures. Visitors should allow time to examine the different rooms and archaeological details, as the location offers no major modern facilities.
Scholars debate whether the building was actually a synagogue or possibly a banquet hall or residence. This disagreement shows how challenging it can be to interpret ancient structures based solely on their architectural features.
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