During excavations conducted by archaeologists in the city of Pangoria on the Taman Peninsula in the territory of the city of Krasnodar, located in Russia in the area of the Azov connected to the Black Sea, archaeologists have discovered an ancient Synagogue. The analysis of the fragments of the preserved decoration allows us to conclude that the synagogue was erected at the turn of the millennium and existed for at least 500 years.
With the support of Russian billionaire Oleg Deripaska, archaeologists from the Russian Academy of Science who are exploring remains from the city, have found parts of the synagogue’s foundations and walls.
Inside the rectangular structure 21 meters deep and 6 meters wide were several menorahs, altars, and fragments of marble steles, including one bearing the word synagogue in the original Ancient Greek.
The team also came upon tablets with dates and other inscriptions.
The place contains a complex of two rooms, each with an area of more than 60 square meters, it is characterized by rich decorations on its painted walls, and its roof was covered with tiles. The Jewish marble artifacts are similar to those in Israel.
According to the researchers, the synagogue was built in the era of the Second Temple. The researchers noted that few synagogues functioned during the Second Temple, and were built by representatives of the diaspora who lived far from Jerusalem. Most known synagogues date back to the 3rd century, so this synagogue that was discovered now, it is one of the oldest in the world.
The structure has features characteristic of the Second Temple period of Jewish history and likely remained standing until the middle of the sixth century, when Phanagoria was sacked and burned by barbarian tribes.
In the large Jewish community that exists today in the nearby city of Krasnodar, the news was received with great excitement, knowing that they are continuing a tradition that is thousands of years old, and that the Jewish community is thriving with thousands of Jewish families.
Rabbi Menachem Mendel Lazar, Chief Rabbi of Krasnodar was invited to visit the site where archeological excavations are being conducted. By government orders, the place is completely closed for the coming year, while Russia’s greatest archaeologists are working to map the entire area and further their research of the rare remains found there.
During the visit, the researchers said that as the excavations progressed it became clear that the entire area was a Jewish one. It was surprising to discover that the synagogue’s benches were made of wood. Behind the synagogue was a large oven for baking bread, and there are clear signs of a nearby Mikvah.
At the end of the tour, after answering various questions posed by the researchers, the Rabbi and his delegation said a prayer and the sound of the shofar was once again heard in this historical place after thousands of years.
Photography: Volnoe Delo Foundation of Phanagoria
