Sardis Synagogue Turkey
The ancient city of Sardis, 50 miles west of present-day Izmir,Turkey, was the capital of the Lydian kingdom in the seventh century BC. In the third to first century BC Jews from various countries (including Babylon) were encouraged to settle in Sardis and had freedom to practice their religion into the Roman era.
Largest Synangogue Outside Israel
The synagogue at Sardis is unusual in several respects. It is the largest Synagogue of antiquity outside of Israel. It has characteristics of a Roman era basilica, including an apse. It was likely repurposed as a synagogue in Roman times and could hold 1000 worshipers. It was originally connected to the gymnasium and bath complex on one side, with the outer wall of the southeast side lined with 27 shops in the Byzantine era. Some shops clearly decorated with Jewish symbols and some shops with Christian symbols.
The synagogue excavations have yielded many Jewish inscriptions. There are two Torah shrines on the western wall, with an inscription “the place that protects the Torah “. There is an elaborate mosaic floor. Remains of 19 menorah’s have been found etched on various materials within the synagogue. There’s much evidence of a wealthy, Jewish community.
At the archeological site today, there is a reproduction of a large table or altar for the reading of the Torah scrolls. It is unusual in that it is decorated with two large Roman eagles on each of the legs, giving evidence of syncretism and appeasement that is warned of in the revelations letter to the church at Sardis. Two lion statues were also located within the synagogue during the Roman era. The Hebrew word “shalom” was found in an inscription within the synagogue.
