Suseya
Ruins of large Byzantine settlement in the southern Judean Hills.
Cisterns and caves are scattered over a large area. In the center of the ruin are remains of one of the most splendid synagogues yet discovered in the country. Apparently built in the 4th century, it was in use until the 8th or the beginning of the 9th century. It constitutes one of the first proofs of a flourishing Jewish community this far south in country after the Arab conquest. After its destruction, a small mosque was built in its courtyard.
Finds: The synagogue was excavated and restored. Finds include: many marble fragments, some incised with designs and inscriptions, a mosaic floor with 3 sections depicting a hunt, Daniel in the lions’ den, part of a zodiac surrounded by a wreath with patterns of birds and plants, Ark of the Law, candelabra, animals and geometric patterns. The Hebrew inscription is one of the few dating from the early Byzantine Period.
