Includes bibliographical references (p. 687-714) and index.

Preliminary Material -- Introduction -- I The Synagogue -- II Second Temple Period Synagogues -- III Recently Excavated and Newly Published Synagogues -- IV Synagogue Architecture and Ornamentation -- V Synagogue Art, Significance and Impact -- VI Jewish Symbols -- VII The Jewish Calendar Represented in the Zodiac Design -- VIII Illustrated Biblical Tales -- IX Motifs in Jewish Synagogue Art -- X Artists, Workshops and Repertoire -- XI Inscriptions -- XII Coins and the Synagogue -- XIII Women -- XIV Dating -- XV Conclusions -- Supplement: Qazion—A Galilean Riddle -- List of Synagogue Excavations -- List of Abbreviations -- Bibliography -- Glossary -- Index -- Index of Sources -- Color Plates.

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Ancient Synagogues - Archaeology and Art. New Discoveries and Current Research presents archaeological evidence - the architecture, art, Jewish symbols, zodiac, biblical tales, inscriptions, and coins – which attest to the importance of the synagogue. When considered as a whole, all these pieces of evidence confirm the centrality of the synagogue institution in the life of the Jewish communities all through Israel and in the Diaspora. Most importantly, the synagogue and its art and architecture played a powerful role in the preservation of the fundamental beliefs, customs, and traditions of the Jewish people following the destruction of the Second Temple and the loss of Jewish sovereignty in the Land of Israel. The book also includes a supplement of the report on the Qazion excavation.