עין נשוט, Archaeological site in Golan Heights, Israel
Ein Nashut is an archaeological site on a hill 392 metres above sea level, overlooking the start of the Meshushim stream, about 1.5 km north of Katzrin. At its centre stand the remains of a synagogue whose prayer hall measures 10 by 11 metres, with benches, columns and decorated capitals, some carved with a nine-branched menorah. Remains of the ark were found on the southern side, facing Jerusalem, and two ancient oil presses lie beside the synagogue.
The synagogue was built in the 5th century CE, renovated in the 6th century and remained in use until the 7th century, when the village was abandoned for good. Coin hoards found beneath its floor helped date the building. Gottlieb Schumacher first studied the site in the 1880s and suggested a village called Deir Raḥib stood here; later surveyors dated the finds no later than the Byzantine period.
The synagogue served as a religious gathering place for the local Jewish community in ancient times. Visitors can observe the spatial layout and decorated columns that reflect the craftsmanship of that era.
The site is located in the central Golan Heights and can be reached via walking trails or access paths from nearby areas. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and exposure to the elements.
Coins were discovered beneath the synagogue floor, providing clues about when it was built. These findings make the site an important witness to economic activity in the region during that time.
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