Chorazin
The ruins of the town of Chorazin, dated to the Roman
period (beginning in the first century BCE)
to the end of the Byzantine
Era (seventh century CE),
are scattered over a basalt plateau just north of the Ginnosar Valley.
Only a few buildings have been excavated, but the outline of the town
is readily visible from the air, clearly revealing its irregular, unplanned
growth as the population increased.
The town of Chorazin was apparently first occupied in the first or second century CE. Various dates have been ascribed to the synagogue at Chorazin. It was apparently built initially in the late third or early fourth centuries CE. The town and the synagogue appear to have been destroyed in the latter part of the fourth century and were rebuilt in the fifth century.
The synagogue in the heart of the town was built, like
the rest of the houses, of black basalt
stones. Despite the natural roughness of
basalt, it could readily be carved, and
the building indeed abounds in carved decorations.
A broad staircase ascends to the façade
which, as usual in this part of the country,
faced south, toward Jerusalem,
and had three large entrances. The interior
of the synagogue was divided into a nave
and aisles by three rows of columns forming
a "U"
shape. The worshipers sat on benches along
the walls. The Ark of the Law was placed inside the southern
wall, to the right of the central entrance.
To the left of that entrance stood either
the bema on which the Law was read or the special
seat known as the "Cathedra
of Moses," which was actually found
among the ruins.
Most of the ruins visible today are from the third-fourth centuries CE. The site spans 25 acres and in addition to the synagogue features a ritual bath (mikveh), various dwellings, and an olive press. The ancient synagogue is located in the middle of Chorazin National Park.
Along with its beautiful synagogue, Chorazin is also known as one of three cities cursed by Jesus for not accepting his teachings
The remains of an olive-press and a ritual bath add
some information about the daily life of the people who lived here.
Sources: Israeli
Foreign Ministry |